Friday, October 31, 2014

SAMADHI PAD SUTRA 36

                                                   VISHOKA VA JYOTISHMATI

        OR SORROW LESS STATUS (OF MIND OR CHITTA)WHICH IS (SOURCE OF )LIGHT

(CAN CALM THE MIND)

           In the Patanjali Yoga Sutra the sage Patanjali does one liners and they are related to each other. They can not be read separately at times as each one is related to the previous one and the next one . So this Sutra is related to the previous one . In the last one we were told that we can think of a subject (related to any of the senses) and we will perceive it . And in future we can have ability to 'feel' the special smell or taste any thing that we want without having the smell or the substance that we are tasting. In a higher level,So we at lower level can see a subject when it is in front of our eyes..In the next level we can see it without the subject in front of us. But this one is related to not the senses or even the lower level mind.So if one thinks about the process of seeing, the question comes to mind is who is the seer ?Is it the eyes , is it the retina or is it the nerve that carries the impulses or is it the brain center ? The answer is none of these things is real seer.Sometimes we have things in front of our eyes but we are lost in thought and we don't seethe subject that is in front of our eyes.The thing that 'sees' is beyond the physical level. So is it the MIND? Well yes and no . There is something beyond the mind.If I have never seen an aeroplane , I will not recognise it when I see it . So I have to nor only 'receive ' the information, but I have to analyse it and 'match' it with preciously collected information(with the intellect).So this part of the MIND-INTELLECTS -OR CHITTA is the one which is the source of the light,or the Knowledge. But one beyond is the one which is real seer and it has no sorrow(or pleasure) So when the devotee gets to this level, it is sorrow less and full of knowledge so this will calm the mind .So the higher level of mind that calms the mind is this sorrow less level of source of knowledge.
      Just an additional note. The' gross ' objects are gross and the senses that perceive them are also 'gross'. But the mind that thinks or 'senses' them is subtler than the senses themself. But the intelect which 'recognises ' the perception is still subtler than the mind.And the one beyond it is still subtler. So in short we are talking about different levels of Samadhi.i.e. Sawichar(one with though -one related to mindt), Sanand(one with bliss-related to intelect) and the Sasmit(one related to Ego).

Saturday, October 18, 2014

SAMADHI PAD SUTRA-35

        VISHAYAWATI VA PRAVRITTR UTAPANNA MANASAH STHITI NIBANDHINI

THE MIND IS BOUND (TO THE STATE OF SAMADHI) WHEN IT IS STIMULATED BY THE

OBJECTS (OF STIMULATION OF THE MIND)

   In this sutra we are told something much deeper. We have been looking at the various techniques to engage our mind and that way improve the concentration and achieve the higher level of the Samadhi.In the beginning we were told to 'engage' or various senses in such a way that our mind is nor distracted. We were told to have may be soothing music to engage the hearing,to have a scented candle burning, to engage the sense of smell and then the closure of eyes or have a statue or a picture of the our favourite GOD, to engage the sense of sight or seeing etc. So now we know that we smell something, there is a contact of smell particles to the sense organs in our nose. The sensation is carried to the brain center by the nerves .In the center there is a chemical reaction and then the cells in the center compaire the 'perception' that they get to the one that they had experienced . And then we say ,'OH it is a rose or it is a sweet smell etc'. I am not sure where is the memory is stored. We know that the center does not 'analyse ' the chemical reaction as the chemicals at the level of brain center are same . So the decision as to what it is is done by either mind or intellect.So can we reverse the process?
     In this sutra we  are told that the process can be reversed. This can be achieved after certain level of the practice of the meditation.So now think about it. If I want to think about my father or mother I don't have to have them in front of me . I can just think of them and I can visualise them anytime , any place at my "will". If I can do that can I smell anything that I want to? This sutra states that when we do enough practice ,we can achieve the 'power' to have any smell that we want.If this can be done ,then the mind would be engaged and this will improve the quality of meditation . So we can have any of the 5 senses 'creat'any sensation that I want or desire without having the object in front..
    There are 3 things that I want to point out. One is that when we advance in the meditation level ,we start having different perceptions without having the sense object and not even thinking about it . In the different levels of the Samadhi , Yogis have described sound of 'humming of bees', bells ringing , flute and even veena.They have also had seen starry sky , to bright light etc .But this usually happens at higher levels. Second point is that one can" think of and get it " anything that they want as sensation and this will help them to keep mind in control.The third point is that these kinds of 'powers' will encourage the devotee, to continue the efforts to achieve the higher levels.In doing these one does not need any outside help like a Guru or a teacher.

Wednesday, October 15, 2014

SAMADHI PAD SUTRA -34

                             PRACHHARDAN VIDHARANABHYAM VA PRANASYA

    BY EXHALATION AND RETENTION OF THE PRANA (CAN HELP MENTAL PURITY)

      This is continuation of the same topic. In the previous we were told how to improve our chances of achieving the Samadhi, by improving the concentration. There are different behavioral things that one can do.Then there are different changes that one can do in the thought process.i.e. not to hate bad people , not to find fault with virtuous persons , or not be jealous of some one who is happy etc.Now we are told that by improving the breathing technique , one can improve the purity of the mind and this in turn will help us in following what was told to us in previous sutras.So one can say that by following certain breathing techniques we improve the mind and by not having bad thoughts ,we will have better control on PRANA. If I am upset, my breathing is going to be rapid and may be irregular. We are often told to "to take a deep breath", when we are upset or angry.So in this sutra we are told to do exhalation process and even the holding of breath,as means of purifying the mind.
     Some people will connect this sutra to the mechanism of the breathing.As we know there are 3 phases of the breathing , breathing in phase , holding the breath and the exhalation phase . There is a fourth phase .One can hold the breath when we have fully exhaled. (the 3 phases of the breathing are called POORAK, KUMBHAK AND RECHAK). Concentrating on the breathing will help us to relax physically and also when we try the breathing techniques , then our mind concentration is on breathing and other thoughts don't come to our mind. After the practice of the technique, it becomes automatic and mechanical and one does not have to do it consciously.So here we are told to practice the breathing .

Saturday, October 11, 2014

SAMADHI PAD SUTRA-33

         MAITRI KARUNA MUDITA UPEKSHAM SUKH DUKHA PUNYA VISHAYANAM

         BHAVANATASH CHITTA PRASADAM

      (BEING) FRIENDLY WITH HAPPY(PERSON),(HAVING)SYMPATHY (FOR )UNHAPPY

      (PERSON),CHEERFUL(WITH)VIRTUOUS (PERSON),INDIFFERENCE

      (TOWARDS)SINFUL(PERSON) WILL LEAD TO MIND(STUFF)GETTING PURIFIED

     In the last 2 sutras we were told about the obstacles and how to get rid of them . But we were told about doing more meditation or concentrate on the subject of our meditation.But i this sutra we are told how to reduce our anxiety and distractions that occur during the meditation by changing our behavior or thought process during THE TIME WHEN WE ARE NOT MEDITATING.We were told how our mind would get distracted.Let me give an example , that would clarify.We meet someone who just got recognised for his or her achievement.Now I am jealous . Why did it not happen to me ?So now I can't concentrate.So if I change my attitude towards the Happy person, and become friendly with him or her and not be envious, then it will not distract my mind. This is developing the friendship with the happy.
     If we see someone who is unhappy,we may have different emotions . If we were envious of him in the past , we may  not be sympathetic and .But if we really feel sympathetic and feel bad abut him or her , then that will help us.One must realise that if something makes him unhappy then the same thing will make every one unhappy. So we should be sympathetic toward those who are unhappy.
     We should feel happy when we see or meet someone who is virtuous.Some times we have tendency to find fault with these people. Sometimes when some swami gives a lecture, we try to find out if he misstated something or if he is living luxuriously etc. We should avoid it. Sometimes we try to find reason to critisise .Someone donates lot of money , we will make a statement like 'oh he was cheating in the business 'or we know how he got money and now trying to do right. So if we come across anyone who is doing 'right' we should be happy.
    If we come across someone who is doing 'bad deeds' ,we should not have hatred for him. If should try to think that it may be related to his past deeds , and think as to how we can help him to improve.
     Couple of stories will help to understand this last point. The story of Valmiki, the writer of the RAMAYANA. He was staying in the jungle and was looting the travellers . One day when he got hold of a VIRTUOUS person who was not afraid to die.He asked him to find out why he was ding all the looting and killing. So Valmiki answered that he was doing for his family. So then he was asked to check out if his family members were ready to 'share' his sins. Valmiki was sure that they will. But as it turned out , they did not want any part of his sins . So that opened his eyes and he stopped being the murderer and thief.Other story is of one saint from India . As people started knowing about his pious nature , some of the people got mad . So they asked a ordinary butcher to spit on him after he had taken bath in the river.The saint did not get mad but took the bath again . This continued for 21 times .Finally the butcher realised his mistake.and appolosised  for his behaviour. Again.Again this is for highly evolved souls .But if we can practice 1/100 the of this behavior , we will be in position to concentrate better and uplift ourselves.     

Friday, October 10, 2014

SAMADHI PAD SUTRA 32

                         TAT PRATISHEDHARTHAM EKA TATTWA ABHYASAH

      TO GET RID OF THE OBSTACLES(MENTIONED IN LAST SUTRAS,)ONE SHOULD
                 CONCENTRATE ON ONE 'THING' REPEATEDLY (STUDY-ABHYAS)

We were told all the different obstacles in the meditation and their classification under different types of reasons. Now we are told as to how to overcome them. It is easier said than done . We are told that doing the meditation or concentrate on one principle ,repeatedly , will lead to success. One may ague that if we can not concentrate because of mind being lazy or having physical elements or having doubts about meditation and it's benefits etc, then how can one concentrate? So if i have thoughts about the temptations (sense pleasures) how can I concentrate?The answer is if we try it repeatedly and consistently , then we will succeed and the the doubts will be gone . This is so true in every thing that we try . Say I am trying to play golf and not getting anywhere.If I continue to play and practice hitting the ball , I will get better . SO then if I hit the ball on a difficult hole at par , then I will get encouragement and instead of dropping the game,I will play more and hopefully get more success. Meditation is same .We sometimes try it not on consistent basis , and with full faith and then think and expect that we will get the 'enlightenment' in short time . This is not going to happen. One must pay the 'dues'.I often give an example of becoming a physician. One has to do 12 years regular school, then 4 years of college and then 4 years of medical school.That gets one to be a simple MD.If you want to get hospital privileges or do more than general office practice , one must do 3 years of medicine,and then do 3or more years of sub specialty training. AND THIS IS TO KNOW HUMAN BODY , SAME OLD MODEL FOR LAST MANY MANY YEARS. So if one wants to do something beyond PHYSICAL WORLD , then certainly he will have to spend 'more' time .So we should not get discouraged and continue to do the meditation and we will succeed .

Wednesday, October 8, 2014

SAMADHI PAD SUTRA 31

          DUKHA DAUR MANASYA ANGAMEJAYATWA SHWAS PRASHWAS VIKSHEPA

                                                                    SAHABHUVAH
THE PAIN (OR SORROW),DESPAIR(MENTAL DISTURBANCE),TREMBLING,AND IRREGULAR BREATHING CAUSE DISTRACTION.

       IN the last Sutra we were told about the 9 things that can cause the obstacle in the practice of meditation.In this Sutra we are told little more about the same.This is little different.When we have distracted mind , we react to it . These causes changes in our body. To some extent they are described here.
    The first one s the Pain or sorrow . This could be due to mental or physical or external sources which are not in our control.We may be angry about something or worried about something and this is mental pain. We may have fever , have caught a cold or injured .This is physical pain. And lastly the external things that are  not in our hands , like floods or fire etc. Some people will classify these as ADHIBHAUTIC , ADHIDAIWIC AND ADHYATMIC.No matter how one states them , they come down to same problems.Adhibhautic is related to our physical existence , adhi daiwic is related to environmental related and the Adhyatmic is related to our own karma , done in this and previous files..
    The pain will cause the mental disturbance and that will lead to irregular breathing and one can start trembling. All these will lead to inability to progress further in the concentration and meditation.