cessation of mental activities

[Guest guest]

Mr. Cohen, a resident disciple, was speaking of yoga method.

 

Maharshi remarked: Patanjali's first sutra is applicable to all systems of yoga.

The aim is the cessation of mental activities. The methods differ. So long as

there is effort made towards that goal it is called yoga. The effort is the

yoga. The cessation can be brought about in so many ways.

 

(1) By examining the mind itself. When the mind is examined, its activities

cease automatically. This is the method of jnana. The pure mind is the Self.

 

(2) Looking for the source of the mind is another method. The source may be said

to be God or Self or consciousness.

 

(3) Concentrating upon one thought to make all other thoughts disappear. Finally

that thought also disappears; and

 

(4) Hatha Yoga.

 

All methods are one and the same inasmuch as they all tend to the same goal. It

is necessary to be aware while controlling thoughts. Otherwise it will lead to

sleep. That awareness, the chief factor, is indicated by the fact of Patanjali

emphasising pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, samadhi even after pranayama. Pranayama

makes the mind steady and suppresses thoughts. Then why develop further? Because

awareness then is the one necessary factor. Such states can be imitated by

taking morphia, chloroform, etc. They do not lead to Moksha because they lack

awareness.

 

Talks with Sri Ramana Maharshi