As we saw in previous articles, Sage Patanajali englightens us with different ways of attaining samadhi. In his next aphorism, he takes his students-Yoga aspirants one level up by introducing the concept of Submitting to Ishwara. He quotes, ईश्वरप्रणिधानाद्वा॥२३॥ Ishvara pranidhana va Translated loosely into English; ‘Or from intense devotion and total surrender to Ishvara.’ Samadhi can be obtained by…
In the previous aphorisms, after having told us the type of aspirants set out to achieve mastery on thier mind and its modifications, Sage Patanjali tells us about importance of a strong desire for goal in the journey to achieve this mastery. Patanjali invests two sutras to emphasize the crucial importance of the desire for attaining victory over the mind.…
As per sage Patanjali, aspirants on the path of Yoga seeking ‘Chitta Vrutti Nirodha’ fall in two categories. Advanced: The first is those who have made tremendous advancement in previous lives and find samadhi easy to attain as Sage Patanjali quotes in aphorism 19. Others: Most people are of the second type, which means five types of effort and commitment as stated…
In his next aphorism, Sage Patanjali describes concentration without any object which is called asamprajnata samadhi. In this state not only the gross and subtle thoughts, but also the senses and thinking instruments of mind are in a concealed or unmanifested state. It is a very high state of realizing which cannot be explained by an individual to others. It is something to…
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…
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