7 Ways to Purify the Mind, Part 1
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are not merely philosophical aphorisms; they are a practical manual for transforming the mind. In these sutras, Patanjali gives several direct methods for clarifying the chitta—the mind-substance—so that meditation becomes steady and inner perception becomes possible.
The Four Qualities Necessary for Samadhi
Patanjali gives a precise and practical answer in Yoga Sutra 1.20: four essential qualities must be cultivated—shraddha (faith), virya (energy), smriti (spiritual memory), and samadhi-prajna (wisdom born of direct experience).
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?