Digest Number 269

[Guest guest]

>Message: 8

> Tue, 03 Aug 1999 23:53:49 +0000

> "Jan Barendrecht" <kvy9

>Re: Digest Number 266

>

>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;

 

LOL ! That is very true ! )

 

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.

 

Yes, I'm beginning to see that, more and more,

but it takes time.

Thanks for reminding me.

It's just so strange, I seriously doubt I would

have seen this view without K... and since K

is usually activated with a modicum of control,

I don't really see the beginnings.

I guess some are lucky to approach it with

K as opposed to try and start inside to receive it.

>One could even say the Patanjali sutras are describing a "middle way";

 

Yes.

>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.

 

) Yes, I must be having one of those poor

translations, because

I can't make heads nor tails of the progress

way you mention. I have given up trying to read any

sort of progress as it is, instead just go with it.

Nothing to worry about.

 

Thanks for sharing your views, Jan. It is very

much appreciated, I have learnt a lot from you

these last months.

 

Best regards,

 

Amanda.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Angelfire for your free web-based e-mail. http://www.angelfire.com