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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.
Continue reading YSP Study Group 2/27/10
By subhash, on February 20th, 2010
Sutra 1.35
विषयवती वा प्रवृत्तिरुत्पन्ना मनसः स्थितिनिबन्धिनी॥३५॥
viShayavatI vaa pravRuttirutpannaa manasaH sthitinibandhinI
Taimni
"Coming into activity of (higher) senses also becomes helpful in establishing steadiness of the mind."
Mind can also be made steady by absorption in some super-physical sensuous cognition. For example, concentration on Nada or the subtle sensation of inner sound, as done in the practice of Laya Yoga, can be used for this purpose. It is probable that Laya Yoga merges with Raja yoga at some point. However, it can be used as an effective preliminary technique in preparation for Raja Yoga.
Continue reading YSP Study Group 2/13/10
By subhash, on February 15th, 2010
Welcome to WordPress. This is your first post. Edit or delete it, then . . . → Read More: Hello world!
By subhash, on January 29th, 2010
Sutra 1.33
मैत्रीकरुणामुदितोपेक्षणां सुखदुःखपुण्यापुण्यविषयाणां भावनातश्चित्तप्रसादनम्॥३३॥
maitrIkaruNaamuditopekShaNaam sukhaduHkhapuNyaapuNyaviShayaaNaaM bhaavanaatachittaprasaadanam
Taimni
“The mind becomes clarified by cultivating attitudes of friendliness, compassion, gladness and indifference respectively towards happiness, misery, virtue and
vice.”
In this Sutra Patanjali defines the correct attitude in the various situations that may arise in relationship with others. Uncontrolled reactions can lead to unpleasant and violent emotions. On the other hand, becoming cold-hearted and indifferent to all situations cannot lead to a calm and happy mind. The four principles enumerated in this sutra are derived from the laws of psychology and practical experience in dealing with the problem of adjusting ourselves to our environment. Whereas the sutra seems clear for the first three situations, some doubt may arise as to the adoption of “indifference” toward the wicked. This may seem contrary to the ideal of active help and compassion even toward the wicked as seems to be indicated in some scriptures. What we need to understand is that this sutra does not apply to those who are already self-realized nor to the common man on the street. This is applicable to the yoga aspirant on the path to spirituality. Such a person is not yet qualified to work toward reforming others and is thus best advised to remain un-engaged. The result of following the rule given in this Sutra is to bring about clarification of the mind and to remove one of the causes of mental disturbance for the aspiring yogi.
Continue reading YSP Study Group 1/23/10
By subhash, on January 12th, 2010
Sutra 1.31
दुःखदौर्मनस्याङ्गमेजयत्वश्वासप्रश्वासा विक्षेपसहभुवः॥३१॥
duHkhadaurmanasyaa~ggamejayatva shvaasaprashvaasaa vikShepasahabhuvaH
Taimni
“(Mental) pain, despair, nervousness, and hard breathing are the symptoms of a distracted condition of mind.”
In this sutra, symptoms by which the presence of Viksepa can be recognized are presented. Pain (dukkha) either physical or mental shows disharmony in the system. To treat physical pain one can . . . → Read More: YSP Study Group 1/9/10
By subhash, on December 18th, 2009
Sutra 1.30
व्याधिस्त्यानसंशयप्रमादालस्याविरतिभ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्धभूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानि चित्तविक्षेपास्तेऽन्तरायाः॥३०॥
vyaadhistyaanasaMshayapramaadaalasyaaviratibhraantidarshana aalabdhabhUmikatvaanavasthitatvaani chittavikShepAH te’ntaraayaaH
Taimni
"Disease, languor, doubt, carelessness, laziness, worldly-mindedness, delusion, non-achievement of a stage, instability, these (nine) cause the distraction of the mind and they are the obstacles."
Turning outward of consciousness is caused by Viksepa – the distractions of the mind. The current sutra provides the reasons for this Vikshepa. Two characteristics . . . → Read More: YSP Study Group 12/12/09
By subhash, on December 9th, 2009
Sutra 1.29
ततः प्रत्यक्चेतनाधिगमोऽप्यन्तरायाभावश्च॥२९॥
tataH pratyakchetanaadhigamo’pyantaraayaabhaavashcha
Taimni
"From it (result) the disappearance of obstacles and turning inward of
consciousness."
Two results accrue as a result of the practice of "Ishvara Pranidhana" (through the japa of OM) – turning of the consciousness inward and the gradual disappearance of ‘obstacles’. Normally our awareness is focused outward toward external objects as influenced . . . → Read More: YSP Study Group 12/05/09
By subhash, on November 25th, 2009
Sutra 1.28
तज्जपस्तदर्थभावनम्॥२८॥
tajjapastadarthabhaavanam
Aranya
"Repeat it and contemplate upon its meaning"
It has been said, "through contemplative mantra repetition, yoga (one-pointedness) is consolidated and through yoga, chanting of mantra is improved. As both chanting of mantra and yoga are deepened, the supreme soul is revealed.
The word "OM" symbolizes the concept of Ishvara. When OM is repeated while contemplating . . . → Read More: YSP Study Group 11/21/09
By subhash, on November 6th, 2009
Sutra 1.27
तस्य वाचकः प्रणवः॥२७॥
tasya vaachakaH praNavaH
Aranya
"The sacred word designating him is Pranava or the mystic symbol OM"
The words "father" and "son" represent relationship between two people. If you hear the words Maitra and Chaitra (names of two people), you can associate the names with specific persons based on your memory. If you saw them in . . . → Read More: YSP Study Group 10/31/09
By subhash, on October 27th, 2009
Sutra 1.27
तस्य वाचकः प्रणवः॥२७॥
tasya vaachakaH praNavaH
Taimni
"His designator is ‘OM’"
Since OM is a mantra, it is essential to first understand a brief theory of ‘mantra-yoga’. Sound, or Sabda, can be used to bring about changes in matter and consciousness. The world is not only created but maintained by this Sabda which differentiates into innumerable forms of vibration . . . → Read More: YSP Study Group 10/10/09
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