The 5 Kinds of Modifications of the Mind
Just as there are five senses, so according to Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras there are five modifications of the mind. Why is this important?
What is Our Essential Nature as Seer?
Self-forgetfulness is the root of all our problems, the essence of samsara itself. Consciousness (chaitanya) is our essential nature. How do we become established in our essential nature?
Vairagya and Abhyasa – How to Deal with the Stormy Mind
Sutras 12 through 16 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1:12. Their suppression [is brought about] by persistent practice [abhyasa] and non-attachment [vairagya]. Two things are needed for the ending of mental modifications. One is abhyasa–sustained spiritual practice. This is why … Continue reading
Purification and Forgiveness: What Is the Yoga View?
The word use in the Gospels translated “forgive” means literally to send something away, to lay something aside, and to leave something behind–to depart from it. It also means to cease or reverse something–to turn around. This all takes place in our consciousness. It has nothing to do with the dualistic religious idea of God forgiving us for our sins.
Who Is God? The Yoga View
In the Yoga Sutras the word for God is Ishwara–the Lord, Ruler, Master, or Controller possessing the powers of omnipotence, omnipresence, and omniscience. Ishwara is the Supreme Power, Parameshwara. It is toward this Ishwara that our life is to be directed if we would attain … Continue reading
Yoga in Four Words
Chitta is the subtle energy that is the substance of the mind, and therefore the mind itself. Vritti is thought-wave; mental modification; mental whirlpool; a ripple in the chitta. Nirodha is restraint; restriction; suppression; dissolving.