By subhash, on March 18th, 2010%
Sutra 1.38
स्वप्ननिद्राज्ञानालम्बनं वा॥३८॥
svapnanidraaj~jaanaalambanaM vaa
Taimni
"Also (the mind) depending upon the knowledge derived from dreams or
dreamless sleep (will acquire steadiness)."
Nidra (deep sleep) and swapna (dream) refer to subtler vehicles into which the consciousness passes during sleep. Only partial contact is maintained with the physical body to enable it to carry on its normal physiological activities. Even though we all get into this state, only a few with psychic abilities can bring back a vague knowledge of their experience in that state. For a normal person, only chaotic dream images are produced as a result of interaction between the images in the mind during dream state and those received through the subtler vehicle. In the case of deep sleep, even higher subtler planes are encountered and the brain becomes empty. Only the mind stays active at a higher plane. Through proper training and practice, it is possible to bring back memories from the higher planes of dream and deep sleep states into the brain. These images are not chaotic and the knowledge can actually be carried over to the waking sate. It is this knowledge that is referred to in this sutra and contemplating on it is helpful in bringing the mind to a steady state.
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By subhash, on March 5th, 2010%
by Kailasam Iyer
You hear this expression “being one with the Universe” or “feeling one with the Universe” with the implication of an identity, resonance, compatibility, what is good for the Universe is good for me and vice versa type of cuddling in all sorts of socio, political, economic, religious interactions. What does this mean? Why is it felt sometimes and not others? Why do some people feel it and not others? When you eat a moderate amount of healthy food in the evening and if it is all digested before you go to sleep, chances are you will sleep well and wake up with a smug smirk on your face. You are in tune with your perceived universe or in other words the universe is a friendly place or the universe is cozy to you as a cocoon. The feeling is entirely subjective and transitory. Where does this feeling come from and why doesn’t it stay permanently? OR is there a way to latch on to it permanently? The answer lies in our understanding of what we mean by “the Universe” and who we are.
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By subhash, on March 5th, 2010%
Sutra 1.37
वीतरागविषयं वा चित्तम्॥३७॥
vItaraagaviShayaM vaa chittam
Taimni
"Also the mind fixed on those who are free from attachment (acquires steadiness)."
Vitaragas are those souls who have conquered human passions and risen above Raga-Dvesa. Meditation on the life and character of such a soul will help develop serenity and steadiness of mind. Patanjali recommends meditation not on an abstract virtue but on the virtue as embodied in a human personality. This type of meditation puts us in rapport with that personality and brings about a flow of power and influence which accelerates our progress. The object of meditation may be one’s Master, or a great Spiritual Teacher or one of the Divine Incarnations.
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