Yoga teachers, from all the Hatha sub-styles, should reflect on the Yoga Sutras of Maharishi Patanjali. Perhaps, beginner students will not gain much from them, without the guidance of a Guru, but an experienced Yoga teacher should be able to transcend the physical plane of Hatha Yoga practice.
Remember that Asana (posture) practice is the third of the eight limbs of Yoga. Asana practice is very valuable, but it is just one of the eight limbs of Yoga.
1:16 “Tat param purusakhyater guna vaitrsnyam.” This particular Sutra deserves to be looked at in its natural state, before looking at an English translation.
“Complete freedom is a result of a spiritual quest, which will reveal an inner self, without limits, by transcending the three Gunas (the qualities of nature).”
The three Gunas are: Sattva (purity or light), Rajas (activity or vibration), and Tamas (inertia or darkness). When energy takes shape, one of these three qualities will usually be dominant. However, when a person becomes unattached to outcome, he or she would go beyond the natural limits or the limits of nature.
1:17 “To experience a settled mind (Samadhi), one must go through four steps. These four steps are: Self-analysis, insight, bliss, and the awareness of I am.”
These are very big steps. Real self-analysis, requires honesty, and is quite difficult for most people to accomplish. Insight is hard work and usually requires some significant life experience or guidance from a Guru. Bliss can be learned, but some people are never happy.
Lastly, “I am” is your spiritual connection with the supreme consciousness, Supreme Being, or God. This is the final step to Samadhi, but many people are confused because of thoughts about the correct path. Sometimes intolerance holds us back from taking the right path.
In truth, all noble paths lead toward God. Mankind wastes too much time judging each other over “small stuff,” but God is the final judge. Why waste time on earth? Our time on earth is limited. Know your place in the universe, make peace with your fellow man, and actively open your connection to God.
Patanjali was way ahead of his time to cover these four steps to Samadhi. Yes, I have elaborated about the concept of “I am,” but this is the hardest of four very tough steps to Samadhi. This is also a reason why only a handful of enlightened souls exist each century.
1:18 “There is another plane of meditation where only the Samskara is left.” Samskara is latent impression of the unconscious mind, which affects our natural tendencies, and molds our character. To settle the mind, in this way, requires much practice, but upon observation of our Samskara without judgment, we learn who we are and what we are made of.
Some may regard this as a lesser plane of meditation. This is highly debatable, because this meditation method sounds easier than it is.
This particular meditative practice will also reveal another form of Samadhi.
Many people have the greatest difficulty “coming to grip” with their natural tendencies. This may not be a “pretty picture.” This meditation practice will truly settle the mind.
To find one’s true nature, and possibly learn why we instinctively react, is a gift. Within all of us are characteristics, which we might want to purge, but some are for self-preservation. The opinion of others has only a small effect on your Samskara.
Here are just three profound Yoga Sutras, but you could easily spend much more time reflecting, meditating, and taking Maharishi Patanjali’s advice.
© Copyright 2007 – Paul Jerard / Aura Publications
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
