Book two of the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali is referred to as Sadhana Pada Book Two, which deals with the practice of yoga as opposed to the aims and or goals of yoga (samadhi) in book I . Prefacing the first sutra of this section,Swami Satchidananda says that Patanjali refers to practical hints and gives a number of simple directions that can be followed in our daily lives to prepare us for the more subtle practices which lead to samadhi.
Yoga Sutra II-1- TAPAH SVADHYAYESVARA PRANIDHANANI KRIYAH YOGAH - Accepting pain as help for purification, study of spiritual books, and surrender to the Supreme Being constitute Yoga in practice.
Swami Satchidananda begins his commentary of this sutra by the following:"Using the Sanskrit terms, Kriya Yoga comprises tapas, svadhyaya and Isvara pranidhanam"
In addressing the first part, you might wonder how acceptance of "pain as help for purification" can be part of a yoga practice. The word tapas in this sutra, according to Swami Satchidananda means "to burn or create heat." He uses the example that the more gold is heated, the purer it gets as the impurities are removed. He further states "We will actually be happy to receive pain if we keep in mind its purifying effects." Tapas or" self-discipline obviously cannot be practiced in a meditation rooms, but only in our daily lives as we relate to other people."
" Although control of the senses and the organs often seems to bring pain in the beginning, it eventually ends in happiness." I can relate to this with an example of a job I had over ten years ago. At end of my employment, circumstances became unpleasant and I knew it was time to leave. As a result of that situation I became certified to teach yoga. I can actually give thanks to the painful situation which pushed me to do something that I love and brings me happiness.
Swami Satchidananda clarifies that he is not talking about self-torture, but self discipline that is an aid to spiritual progress.
The next part of the sutra has to do with study of scriptural books (swadhyaya). Swadhyaya, or study of the true Self with scriptures like the Bhagavad Gita, The Ramayana, The Yoga Sutras, Shiva Sutras, Bible, Koran, etc. that will elevate the mind. And studying with understanding and from the heart, gleaning new and deeper meanings.
The last part of this sutra has to do with surrendering to the Supreme Being your actions, words and deeds. In other words not doing things in life as the doer or the egoic mind, but from a higher place within us, the higher Self. Swami Satchidananda goes into great deal for these sections, so you can always get his book for further indepth explanation. Stay tuned.
2 comments:
"Accepting pain as help for purification" is one of the things I often speak about myself. I choose not to see it as pain per-say, but more of a shedding of the ego identifications that caused it. Buddha say that desire is the root of all suffering. I have experienced the truth in this and have realized that desire comes from what the ego wants. To be able to rise above the ego mind allows us to accept whatever situation is at hand and to adapt and be at peace with it.
It is amazing how people from all walks of life come to the same conclusions about ultimate and undeniable truth.
It is amazing about coming to the same conclusions, however, not surprising. All rivers flow to the ocean, or all paths lead to the "ultimate and undeniable truth."
Thanks for you comments C.Om.
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