Sutras- Chapter 3

Sutras

Chapter 3: Verses 10, 12, 24, 32, & 52

The yoga sutras help us to better understand the practice of yoga and how to reach liberation by walking us through each step that needs to be taken.   In chapter 3 Patanjali describes in detail the discipline of samyama, in which a person applies concentration, meditation, and samadhi at the same time.   This paper will analyze several verses from chapter 3, and I will also explain how I practiced these verses for the past month.

A major goal that needs to be achieved in order to reach samadhi is having a one-pointed mind.   The ego allows the mind to constantly jump from one thought to another, always desiring the material objects that it is attached to.   Quieting the mind is not an easy task, and many steps need to be taken in order to reach this goal.   Verse 10 tells us that the mind will eventually become still if you consistently and diligently practice.   The mind is so used to having thoughts and attachments that it is a natural habit to have them.   By regularly practicing non-attachment, the mind will eventually stop obsessing over material things because they no longer matter.   We also need to be practicing concentration and meditation on a regular basis.   During concentration and meditation the mind is held on a single focal point, and after practicing for long periods of time, the mind will be used to shutting out distractions.

When a person has reached one-pointedness, they have control over their mind.   Verse 12 explains that we have achieved this state when all thoughts within the mind are exactly the same.     When the mind has thousands of thoughts running through it, a person is easily distracted and tempted by desire.   When the mind has become one-pointed, a person is no longer controlled by their ego.   By practicing having control over the mind, samadhi will be achieved and the true self will be realized.

The last 3 verses that will be discussed are about the powers associated with practicing samyama.   In verse 24 Patanjali says that by practicing samyama on acts of friendliness, these acts will be strengthened.   If you are fully dedicated to a friendly action, such as compassion, and you meditate on this action, I certainly believe that the power of your love and compassion will be strengthened by affecting both your life and other people’s lives.   Similarly, verse 32 says that by practicing samyama on the prana within your body, you will achieve steadiness.   With diligent dedication and concentration on your vital life source, you can gain control over the processes within your body.

The power that is discussed in verse 52 is about celestial beings appearing to those who practice samyama.   As a person progresses through the different stages of samadhi, the temptations of the ego become stronger.   These temptations are simply a test of how much control the person has over their mind.   All temptations, such as feeling pleasure from attaining powers, must be resisted.   If a person gives in, then the ego has won, and self realization will not be achieved.

Chapter 3 of the yoga sutras explains highly advanced practices that are reserved for those who are far along in their yoga journey.   I am not at a point where I can practice one-pointedness of mind or samyama; however, I can practice the basic principles that underlie them.   I have been trying to keep my mind as still as possible while I meditate, which is very difficult, but I feel that I am making a little progress.   Throughout the past month I have also focused on acts of friendliness and on my prana.   I have noticed a positive impact on people when I am fully dedicated to being friendly, and not expecting anything in return.   I also have noticed an improvement in my pranayama practice since being more aware of my prana on a regular basis.

In conclusion, chapter 3 of the yoga sutras explains the practice of samyama in detail.   While practicing the principles of samyama during the past month, I have noticed a positive impact within my life.   If one learns to incorporate the sutras into their daily life, they will take great strides towards self realization.

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