Satori
Viramapratyayabhyasapurvaha Samskarasheshonyaha
The thoughts on Samadhi continue here. There are many methods of Samadhi described in the previous Sutra. This sutra speaks of repeatedly practising of holding on to one thought, an idea or a symbol. The symbols and forms that one thinks about are themselves an idea. But it is nevertheless an idea that can help in dissolving with the source like sugar in milk or salt in water. In this case, the mind that repeatedly holds on to a thought by mentally chanting a name, looking at one symbol, hearing a particular musical note again and again will dissolve into consciousness.
All these forms of Yoga practise is to help this mind to dissolve without resistance, dissolve with ease.
However, in such a state of Samadhi caused by concentration on one particular form or symbol is but a temporary state that will re-energise and revitalise the individual on a spiritual mountain climb. It is a temporary cessation of thoughts because the seeds of the past still continue to be present whih grow in the form of thoughts. The final achievement can happen only when the seeds are no more.
Yoga is like tending a garden. There needs to be daily watering and feeding the tree of this body. It also requires some digging and weeding out unnecessary growth from the surroundings. Unless the digging is done and the seeds of thoughts are destroyed, chances are that the weeds will continue to spring again and again.
To quote a live example to explain Virama is now, as I write this Sutra. An hour ago, I was trying to sleep, but with no avail as there were lots of thoughts and activities to take my attention away. Nevertheless, I sat down to just focus and study this Sutra and almost completed writing it when the contemplation on the form and content of the Sutra dissolved itself with the rest of my mind into a deep sleep. Samskara Sesha are the remaining seeds of thought that does not get destroyed even after a brief period of Samadhi as now when I get up fresh from my sleep, I pick up from the seeds of thought and continue writing this Sutra. - Swahilya Shambhavi.
(Picture: Omjasvin resting a while on a trek up Swamimalai with me in Yelagiri. The age-old practice of climbing mountains is one such method to help stop the formation of thoughts.)
14 comments:
Swahilya,
Very true. We need to tend ourselves, our thoughts, like we tend a garden.While it is true that chanting or listening to music offers only temporary respite, still it points towards the permanent state of samadhi.Loved your exposition and appropriate picture!
Meena.
Welcome Meena!
A fantastic post, Swahilya!!!
I love the idea of having a symbol that will instantly calm me when I am distressed. I am going to use a musical note. I'm excited to try this!!! I am reading about how it is possible to change our way of thinking and it goes along with this post very well. I love learning how to have a calm spirit.
Great photo!!!
Hugs, Nancy
Dear swahilya, I always admire your skills in explaining yoga. I know your explanations come from experience and study and I am looking eagerly forward to your next post.
Hi JJ Nancy, Nice to know your interest in Yoga. A musical note, a picture, nature, flowing waters, the sun, the moon - anything goes when it takes to bring your mind to an instant state of tranquility at least for a while.
Yes, thoughts are the blueprint to your life like the software for the computer. A high-end software literally expresses itself as a fulfilling life.
Love. Swaha.
Welcome Ray. I am as eager to write and can't wait for my weekly update!
"Unless the digging is done and the seeds of thoughts are destroyed, chances are that the weeds will continue to spring again and again."
Well said!! Its is indeed important to tend to the mind with as much diligence as a gardener to his garden.
Needless to say wonderful post Thank you!!
Thank-you for this wise and powerful lesson! I love that you shared your own real life example!
Welcome Parvathy. Thank you.
Thank you, Mark.
Sound and practical advice.
Inspiring people to make a start, to learn more, I am sure.
Making the complex easy, is a gift.
Welcome A.V.C. Thank you.
Nice post Swahilya, The age-old practice of climbing mountains is one such method to help stop the formation of thoughts. Very True.
Thank you fruitu.
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