Time and again we have heard about Samadhi as a state of enlightenment, ecstasy, or complete absorption. But thinking of Samadhi in mystical terms can make it seem beyond the reach of an aspirant like us. To our surprise, that is not the case. Samadhi is a state which is very much practically achievable for one and all. In the…
The sutras so far have introduced us to a few relatively simple but extremely important concepts of yogic philosophy, but the next one elevates into some slightly advanced concepts. Before that we need to understand basic 3 Gunas (characteristics) of human nature. Gunas: These are the three basic forces of nature according to Samkhya school of Hindu philosophy. They are…
Since childhood we are conditioned to seek knowledge, nourishment and satisfaction from outside surroundings. This samskara (impressions) stay along through our whole life on our minds. As we have already seen in previous articles of the series, if these impressions are not undone when required then they can pose a distraction in the journey of a Yogi towards self-realization. When we set…
“Do it over and over again, until it becomes a part of you” In due course of our lives, we learn new skills and knowledge. Bringing it into practice is the first process and the next is to make it a part of your DNA-i.e., to make it a permanence. Having commenced the Practice, one has to do it systematically…
After having helped the aspirants with the modifications of mind and their nature, Sage Patanjali takes us ahead with the principle of establishing Yogic practices with consistent efforts while staying non-attached to the outcome. He quotes, अभ्यासवैराग्याभ्यां तन्निरोधः॥१२॥ Abhyasa vairagyabhyam tannirodhah) Translation: The modifications and habits of mind are overcome by practice and by detachment for those things we cannot…
In our series of articles on Patanjali YogSutras, we are studying the vruttis (modifications) of our Buddhi (mind) as told by Sage Patanjali. So far, we have seen four modifications in detail, namely- प्रमाण (pramana), विपर्यय (viparyaya), विकल्प (vikalpa) and निद्रा (nidra). In his next verse, sage Patanjali talks about स्मृति i.e., memory as next and the last modification of…
In our series of articles on Patanjali YogSutras, we are studying the vruttis (modifications) of our Buddhi (mind) as told by Sage Patanjali. So far, we have seen three modifications in detail, namely- प्रमाण (pramana), विपर्यय (viparyaya) and विकल्प (vikalpa). In his next aphorism, Sage Patanjali suggests Nidra i.e., sleep as the next modification of our mind that poses as…
Sage Patanjali in his next aphorism explains about Vikalpa, the third Vrutii (nature) of our Buddhi (mind) that poses as a distraction in the journey of an aspirant. He quotes, शब्दज्ञानानुपाती वस्तुशून्यो विकल्पः । Translation: “Knowledge gained by words, but devoid of a corresponding object is vikalpa.” Here, the word Vikalpa means fantasy, imagination, projection, mental concepts or theories. Imagination is that which, due to the usage of…
Sage Patanjali, after enlightening us about what is correct knowledge and the process to gain it, in his next aphorism helps us to understand misconceptions and how are they formed. He very aptly quotes, विपर्ययो मिथ्याज्ञानमतद्रूपप्रतिष्ठम्॥८॥ Translation: Misperception arises when you accept the unreal as real or when knowledge of something is not based upon its true form. Sage Patanjali…
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