Sutras 1.21-1.23

Sutra 1.21

तीव्रसंवेगानामासन्नः॥२१॥

tIvrasaMvegaanaam aasannaH

Taimni

"It (samadhi) is nearest to those whose desire (for samadhi) is intensely strong"

A great intensity of desire polarizes all the mental faculties and powers and thus helps very greatly the realization of one’s aims. As opposed to the objectives connected with the external world, the objective of Yoga involves changes that are all within the consciousness of the Yogi himself, and the obstacles are more or less of a subjective nature and confined within his own vehicles. Earnestness involves ‘letting go’ of our hold on the attractions and pursuits of the worldly life and in such a process progress can be extremely rapid. This intense desire to find one’s Self has more the quality of indomitable will, that intense concentration of purpose before which all obstacles and difficulties gradually melt
away.

Aranya

"Yogins with intense ardor achieve concentration and the result thereof, quickly"

The word "samvega" used in the sutra means not only detachment, but also aptitude combined with a feeling of reverence in devotional practice and the resultant ardor to hasten forward. When the devotees who are full of enthusiasm and energy engage in pursuit of liberation with intensity acquire momentum quickly.

Sutra 1.22

मृदुमध्याधिमात्रत्वात् ततोऽपि विशेषः॥२२॥

mRudumadhyaadhimaatRutvaat tatopi visheShaH

Taimni

"A further differentiation arises by reason of the mild, medium and intense nature of means employed."

The other factor which determines the rate of the Yogi’s progress is the means he adopts in the pursuit of his aim. Ashtanga Yoga of Patanjali establishes the general method which has to be followed in gaining Self-realization. The techniques given are sufficiently elastic to allow the aspirant to adapt them to his personal needs, temperament and convenience.The rate of progress will, however, depend upon the nature (intensity) of the means employed. If we want to be transported to a spot at a distance, however keen we may be to reach it, our progress will depend upon whether we use a bullock-cart, an automobile or an airplane. Some systems, like Bhakti yoga, do not require a specific technique, only a deep sense of unconditional devotion to a supreme reality. Like in some of the other Indian scriptures, the means used can be applied in a mild, moderate or intense fashion. It is clear to see that progress will be fastest if intense means are employed.

Aranya

"On account of the methods being slow, medium and speedy, even among those Yogins who have intense ardour, there are differences."

The speed at which samadhi can be attanied will be determined by the nature of the means – mild, medium or intense. Shraddha (faith) is recognized as the quickest means to samadhi. In case of intense energy, the sadhaka gives up all other pursuits excpet achievement of self-realization.

Sutra 1.23

ईश्वरप्रणिधानाद्वा॥२३॥

IshvarapraNidhaanaat vaa

Taimni

"Or by self-surrender to God"

One can also attain samadhi by surrendering oneself to the will of Ishvara and merging all desires with the Divine Will. A mention is made of the controversy among some scholars related to Ishvara. Yoga system is based on the philosophy of Samkhya. Howerver, in Samkhya there is no description of Ishvara. In yoga, patanjali has given surrender to God as one of the means of attaining samadhi.

Aranya

"From special devotion to Ishvara also (concentration becomes imminent)."

When the devotee surrenders completely to God, through the grace of God, the devotee can attain samadhi quickly.Surrender to God involves a feeling, "I am doing everthing as an agent of God" and also, "I offer the fruits of my action, whether happiness or misery, back to God". This frame of mind banishes all egotistic feelings and brings about a perpetual faith in God.