Comments on: YSP Study Group 1/9/10

By: subhash

subhash — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:23:45 +0000

Hi Ramani,
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. In your comment on sutra 1.31 you have emphasized the need to recognize and deal with ‘external’ factors. My observation is that we can be afflicted with any of the conditions in sutra 1.30 and 1.31 not only from external factors but also from internal factors as well. Internally we can start worrying about events from our past which are embedded in our sub-conscious or worry about future events. In fact, I think the suffering caused by these internal events is much harder to deal with than what can be caused by external events.

-Subhash

By: Ramani Ayakannu

Ramani Ayakannu — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 14:09:16 +0000

Sutra 1.32 appears to direct us towards the practice of meditation as one method to remove obstables.
However, it is my believe that meditation alone will not help to remove obstacles but rather a balanced approach that consists of both Asanas & meditation. The reason being that some of the obstacles cannot be removed solely through medication alone but rather a combination of mediation and physical exercise. Through the practice of Yoga (Asanas & Meditation) it will help oneslf to realise ones own strong abilities, and weaknesses. Realising ones own strengths and weaknesses would be a major step (or progress or milestones) towards samadhi. This realization (strengths & weaknesses) would be a good indication on the problematic areas that we need to emphasise to reduce these weaknesses.

By: Ramani Ayakannu

Ramani Ayakannu — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 13:47:57 +0000

Sutra 1.31 appears to have far reaching implications on oneself. It is a direct impliation that if one is experiencing any one of the symtoms (Sorrow,Dejection,nervousness, or breathing problems)it would need immediate attention or rather there is a need for the individual to realize that he/she has an issue that needs to be addressed. It can be treated as “Self-realization” that we have allowed an external factor to have a profound impact on ourself. This would be contrary to the teachings of Yoga. Through the practice of Yoga, we are being trained to recognise and welcome external factors or forces. At the same time, we are trained (or will be trained) not to react impulsively to these forces but rather learn to rationalize their impliations, and learn to respond rationally. Therefore, our reaction to these external forces shall have minimal or no impact on ourselves.
My opinion is, that, if one is experiencing these symtoms, it would be a clear indication that that person needs needs help or training to overcome the obstacles stated in sutra 1.30. It would also mean that he/she has not reached that level in Yoga where he/she is able to factors recognize and rationalize external factors with minimal or no impact on oneself.

Ramani