Patanjali #8

[Guest guest]

Hi Everyone:

 

Previously, Patanjali told us of the seven methods of mastery over

the distractions to contemplation, the characteristics of

contemplation, the two types of bliss, the methods of dispassion and

practice in overcoming the fluctuations of consciousness, and the

discriptions of the fluctuations as they fit within the five larger

categories of ignorance.

 

He first states that Yoga (union) is the restriction of the

fluctuations of Consciousness.

 

This will be the final installment on the first book of Yoga Sutra.

I have mostly compared the commentaries of two very different ways of

looking at the incredible work of Patanjali; Georg Feuerstein and

Hugh D'Andrade.

 

D'Andrade has an emotional and beauty inspired look for us and

Feuerstein is more historical and technical. I will simply quote

D'Andrade on these last sutra of Book One.

 

Modes of Contemplation

I.40

Through perfected Contemplation

One's mastery extends

>From the infinitesimal to the infinite.

 

I.41

When all mental disturbance has dwindled

And one's mind, clear as a crystal,

Reflects the Knower, the Knowing process, and the Known,

Then the mind takes on the quality

Of that which it contemplates.

 

I.42

Contemplation begins with Investigation,

In which the mind accepts the commingling of a word,

The Object indicated by the word,

And the idea underlying the word.

 

I.43

The next mode of Contemplation is Higher Investigation,

In which the mind penetrates beyond memory and reason

To discover the thing as it is.

 

I.44

The next mode of Contemplation

Embraces the Subtle Energies of the universe,

First through the stage of Discernment,

Then through the stage of Higher Discernment,

 

I.45

Through such Contemplation

One ascends from height to height

To the comprehension

Of the Final Substance-energy of Being.

 

I.46

These states of Contemplation are called Seeded

For they concern manifestation

And have inherent power

To bear fruit in their own due time.

 

Illumination and Direct Insight

 

I.47

When one gains Higher Discernment

The mind shines with a steady radiance

Which illumines all things.

 

I.48

Thus comes Direct Insight into Truth.

 

I.49

Direct Insight into Truth

Is free from the shortcomings

Of teaching and reason.

 

I.50

Direct Insight takes supreme command

Over all one's impressions, attitudes,

Mental patterns and modes of thought.

 

I.51

When Direct Insight yields to Seedless Contemplation

Individual existence merges into Cosmic Being.

 

End of Book One.

 

At the beginning of the Book Two, Patanjali concisely presents the

complete methodology of Kriya Yoga, which incorporates the eight

limbs of Ashtanga Yoga in addition to all other considerations for

practice and dispassion. Then each facet of this methodology is

described in more detail.

 

Love,

Bobby G.