Monthly Archives: October 2013

Seedless Contemplation

Posted on October 30, 2013 by Vajragoni

Completion of Book I Seedless (Nirbīja) Contemplation The prior sutras all bore merit in disabling the cognitive functions of mind and simultaneously planting rich bodhi-seeds of awareness, thus empowering the yogin to transcend all spheres of samsara and rest in … Continue reading →

Posted in The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mind Mastery

Posted on October 29, 2013 by Vajragoni

i.40-47 The Refinements leading to Perfection 1.40 Mastery of Mind extends from the smallest particle to the infinite vastness of the Cosmos. What comes to mind here is what the Zennist writes about when he describes the ability to pierce-through … Continue reading →

Posted in The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Zen

Posted on October 28, 2013 by Tozen

Zen [1] is the name of [unborn]Mind, and only through the purifying power of Zen can the mind [of a potential Buddha] fully recall itself, its true nature; which is Mind Unborn and no-thing else. The first mistake all beginners … Continue reading →

Posted in Tozen Teaching, Zen | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mind Stabilization

Posted on October 27, 2013 by Vajragoni

i.35-39 The Means to secure Absolute Contemplative Focus Patañjali utilizes a word in this section that will sound familiar to Lankavatarian adepts: pravṛtti. Fernando Tola and Carmen Dragonetti (mentioned in earlier posts) translate it as follows: A perceptive mental process, … Continue reading →

Posted in The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

Obstacles that prevent Mind’s Quiescence

Posted on October 25, 2013 by Vajragoni

i.29-34 Obstacles that prevent Mind’s Quiescence 1.29 When the Sacred OṀ is invoked, one-pointedness of Mind is assured as obstacles are rendered dormant. When faithfully invoked, the Sacred OṀ induces quiescence of Mind as all outside interference is rendered mute … Continue reading →

Posted in The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Mircea Eliade on Spirit, Suffering and Yoga

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Vajragoni

In researching this present series on Patañjali I’ve been utilizing numerous resources. By far the most profound is Mircea Eliade’s Yoga, Immortality and Freedom. I feel it indispensable to reproduce in full the following section from his text as it … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality, The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Divorced from the Cross of Matter

Posted on October 22, 2013 by Vajragoni

Vomitus Maximus Triumph of the Spirit i.24-28 The Lord of Yoga transcends the trap of temporal manifestations 1.24 The Lord of Yoga is the Self-Supreme, unaffected by any temporal hindrances and any deposits of karmic residues. Like a bird flying … Continue reading →

Posted in The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , , , | Leave a comment

Differences in Subtle Degrees of Samadhi

Posted on October 21, 2013 by Vajragoni

Differences in Subtle Degrees of Samadhi Throughout these sutras Patañjali frequently formulates his approach through the philosophical principles of Saṃkhya-Yoga: Gross Body. Subtle Body and Spiritual Entity Man is made of a material structure which comprehends, on one hand, the … Continue reading →

Posted in The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Yoga: The Art of Transformation

Posted on October 20, 2013 by Vajragoni

In synchronistic fashion with our present series, a new art exhibit portrays the vast tradition of Yoga “Yoga is a global phenomenon practiced by millions of people seeking spiritual insight and better health. Few, however, are aware of yoga’s dynamic … Continue reading →

Posted in Spirituality, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Stages of Samādhi

Posted on October 18, 2013 by Vajragoni

Stages of Samādhi i.17-18 There are varying degrees of samādhic attention 1.17 (Samprajnata Samadhi) distinguishing objective-meditative stimuli via four cognitive tools: through form (gross level); through discriminative participation on more subtle levels; through inspirational means leading to a state of … Continue reading →

Posted in The Yogasūtras of Patañjali | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments