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
When Did Shankaracharya Live?
Q: Jesus lived around 2 BC to 33 AD. Adi Shankaracharya (who founded the Govardhan Math) lived between 788 AD and 820 AD. In your website it is mentioned that Jesus lived in Govardhan Math. How can it be? Quite simple. Shankaracharya lived sometime between … Continue reading
So Close!
This cartoon is used with kind permission of Rex May at baloocartoons.com.
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