Who Is God According to the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali?
Sutras 24 through 26 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 24. Ishwara is a particular Purusha who is untouched [aparamrishta] by the afflictions of life [kleshas], actions [karma] and the results [vipaka] and impressions [ashayai] produced by these actions. Ishwara, God, is … Continue reading
Samadhi by “Giving the Life to God”: Ishwara Pranidhana
Sutra 23 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 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 … Continue reading
Who Is Nearest to Samadhi?
Sutras 21 & 22 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 21. It [samadhi] is nearest to those whose desire [for samadhi] is intensely strong. Vyasa simply says: “They soon attain samadhi and the fruit of samadhi.” Two interesting words are used here: samvega and … Continue reading
The Four Qualities Necessary for Samadhi
Sutra 20 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 20. [In the case] of others [upaya-pratyaya yogis] it is preceded by faith [shraddha], energy [virya], memory [smriti] and high intelligence [samadhi-prajña] necessary for Samadhi. Upaya-pratyaya yogis are those that have followed the traditional sequence of … Continue reading
Why Are People Born with Psychic Abilities?
Sutra 19 of Book One of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali 19. Of those who are Videhas and Prakrtilayas birth is the cause. Patanjali is now discussing those people who from birth are seen to possess marked psychic faculties and psychic powers–even to a miraculous degree. Such … Continue reading
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