Patanjali’s Two Types of Samadhi
Sutras 17 and 18 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 17. Samprajñata Samadhi is that which is accompanied by reasoning, reflection, bliss and sense of pure being. Samprajñata samadhi, also known as savikalpa samadhi, is defined by A Brief Sanskrit Glossary as: “State of … Continue reading
The 5 Kinds of Modifications of the Mind
Sutras 6 through 11 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 6. [The five kinds of modifications are] right knowledge [pramana], wrong knowledge [viparyaya], fancy [vikalpa], sleep [nidra], and memory [smritaya]. Each of these merits an individual consideration. Pramana includes the means of valid … Continue reading
“Christian” or Follower of Jesus?
Q: I want to convert to Christianity–can you help? I am a Hindu. If you want to convert to the religion popularly called “Christianity” then you need only find a church and join it. IF, however, you want to be a follower of Jesus Christ, … Continue reading
What is Our Essential Nature as Seer?
Sutras 3 & 4 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 3. Then the Seer [Drashta] is established in his own essential and fundamental nature [Swarupa]. Vyasa immediately comments and paraphrases: “Then the power-of-consciousness [chit-shakti] rests in its own nature, as in the … Continue reading
When a Vritti (Mental Ripple) Cannot Arise
Sutra 2 of Book one of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 2. Yoga is the inhibition of the modifications of the mind. Yogash chitta-vritti-nirodhah. This is almost sure to be misinterpreted in English translations and commentaries, though I cannot say why, unless it is that … Continue reading
The Beginning of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Sutra 1 of Book one of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 1. Now, an exposition of Yoga [is to be made]. Raghavan Iyer: “Now begins instruction in yoga.” This is the usual formula for the beginning of a major text. It is very interesting to … Continue reading