Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Patanjali Yoga Sutra - III - 4

Three in one

Thrayamekatra Samyamaha||

When the threesome of Dharana or concentration, Dhyana or meditation which is a gradual entry into a merging of concentration and its confluence with the object meditated upon and eventually a complete merger of the subject, object and the meditation in Samadhi. The combination of the three makes it Samyama or a complete restraint of the mind that's absorbed in consciousness.
- Swahilya Shambhavi.

Friday, September 02, 2011

Patanjali Yoga Sutra - III - 3

Contemplating well to merge

Tadevarthamathra Nirbhasam Swaroopa Shunyamiva Samadhihi||

When the object of focus, concentration and meditation begins to merge, then the state of Samadhi is said to be reached. Take an example of climbing a flight of stairs to reach the terrace. At first you get accustomed to the steps and focus on it as you climb. That is Dharana. Then as you climb, you have achieved a state of ease and a mind that can afford to be within and contemplate - i.e. Dhyana. Once you begin to contemplate on a statement of truth or the Pranava Mantra, you feel as if you have lost your own name and form and only the contemplation remains. That is arriving at the terrace of Samadhi. The yogi and a Shaivaite saint Sadasiva Brahmendra Saraswati has written a commentary on the Patanjali Yoga Sutra explains Samadhi as Samyak Aadheeyate Ekagrikriyate Yat Manaha Saha Samadhi - That mind which delves well and deeply after becoming completely integrated is Samadhi. - Swahilya Shambhavi