When a Vritti (Mental Ripple) Cannot Arise
The nirodha Patanjali is presenting to us is a permanent condition of the chitta in which it has been so transformed or transmuted that the arising of vrittis is impossible.
Samadhi by “Giving the Life to God”: Ishwara Pranidhana
Yoga Sutra 1:23: “Or by total giving of the life to God.” This could legitimately be rendered: “Or by total merging of the life with/into God.” This is NOT a mere: “Here, O Lord, take my life; I give it to you.” Find out more.
Why Are People Born with Psychic Abilities?
Patanjali is now discussing those people who from birth are seen to possess marked psychic faculties and psychic powers–even to a miraculous degree.
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