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
Paschal Greetings!
St. Mary Magdalene discovers the Risen Jesus at the tomb.
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