| shabdahu 2006-02-25, 9:33 pm |
| Yoga Sutras: Sutra 1.2:
http://www.swamij.com/yoga-sutras-10104.htm#1.2
(Useful graphics are shown at this link along with text)
YOGA SUTRA 1.2: Yoga is the control (nirodhah, regulation,
channeling, mastery, integration, coordination, stilling, quieting,
setting aside) of the modifications (gross and subtle thought
patterns) of the mind field. (yogash chitta vritti nirodhah)
YOGA = of yoga, union; literally, to yoke, from the root yuj, which
means to join; same as the absorption in samadhi
CHITTA = of the consciousness of the mind-field
VRITTI = operations, activities, fluctuations, modifications,
changes, or various forms of the mind-field
NIRODHAH = control, regulation, channeling, mastery, integration,
coordination, understanding, stilling, quieting, setting aside of
NIRODHAH SUGGESTS SELF-TRAINING: This single sentence is a most
succinct definition of the science of Self-realization, or Yoga. The
key to understanding is the word nirodhah, which defies translation or
description. When translated poorly or misunderstood, it can sound like
the suppression or repression of thoughts and emotions, which is
definitely not what Yoga is about. Rather, it has to do with a process
more like coordinating and setting aside what is not significant or
not-self (2.5). It means finding the jewel of Truth that is underneath
or behind all of the other activities in the mind-field. This comes
through a self-training program dealing with the relationships, senses,
body, breath, and mind. Ultimately, the meaning of nirodhah, and thus,
of Yoga itself begins to emerge experientially through doing the
practices.
NIRODHAH IS THE MOST DESIRED OF FIVE STATES OF MIND: The sage Vyasa
names five states of mind, of which the nirodhah state of mind is the
desired state of mind for the realization of the true Self. These five
states of mind are described just above in the discussion of Sutra 1.1.
It is extremely useful to be mindful of the five states of mind, so as
to better understand their relationship to this most desired state of
mind.
UNCOLORING YOUR THOUGHTS: To find the jewel of the Self requires
getting past the coloring of thought patterns (1.5), such as
attachment, aversion, and fear (2.3). This involves witnessing your
own inner process.
PRACTICE AND NON-ATTACHMENT: Two principles remain at the core
throughout this self-training program: 1) Practices leading to
stability and tranquility and 2) non-attachment. (1.12-1.16)
ATTITUDES, EFFORTS, AND COMMITMENTS: Five attitudes, efforts, and
commitments are cultivated: faith in your direction, energy to go
there, mindfulness and memory to stay there, and the ongoing
commitment to seek the higher states of concentration and wisdom.
(1.20)
STABILIZING AND CLEARING THE MIND: Preparatory practices including
meditation on attitudes towards people and ways to focus attention, are
done to train the mind so that the subtler meditations can then be
practiced. (1.33-1.39)
REDUCING THE GROSS COLORINGS OF MIND: The more gross colorings of mind,
dealing mostly with attractions, aversions, and fears are reduced
through a process of training the senses, inner study, and surrender.
(2.1-2.9)
DISCRIMINATION THROUGH EIGHT RUNGS: Cultivating inner discrimination
through the eight rungs of yoga (2.26-2.29), so as to systematically
uncover that jewel of the Self. (1.3)
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