Guest guest Posted August 3, 1999 Report Share Posted August 3, 1999 On 8/3/99 at 9:35 AM A. Erhart wrote: [...] >Yes, I have heard about that cave as well, the >strictness and control of thought and emotions. >For me this seems like a difficult balance. >Patanjali outlines the technique of restraints and >I guess a lot of ppl on this list have been following >this Way. [...] The Patanjali sutras start with an exposition of illumination and (I,2): "Yoga is controlling the activities of mind (chitta)" often conveys the impression that yoga is a regime of control. But the exposition of practice (II,1): "Austerity, study, devotion to God, constitute practical yoga" conveys something different. Devotion and control don't mix; austerity isn't asceticism per se but leading a simple life. So the control of mind isn't strived for but the natural outcome of study and devotion to God; if these are leading to contentment, austerity and control are natural. One could even say the Patanjali sutras are describing a "middle way"; Kundalini isn't mentioned and neither is nondualism. The practitioner is led to liberation in such a way that the various states "in between" can be recognized and properly anticipated on. Unfortunately, versions are existing, translated and commented on by scholars instead of practitioners. Jan Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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