Yoga Sutra Reflections Session 1: Life And Yoga

Integrating Ancient Wisdom in Modern Life: Yoga Is Not Religion But Inner Science

1. We are going through three states of experience – waking, dreaming and deep sleep. Deep sleep is also called Annadmaya Kosha. As in deep sleep you don’t get any input from outer or inner. In this state, the mind cannot exist.
2. Purpose of practising Yoga is, in your waking stage also your mind will not get any input from outer or inner. In the waking stage also you will find that you have a balanced mind. In deep sleep it is called that the mind cannot exist as there is no activity. But in the waking stage it is called a balanced mind. As in your activity you need a balanced mind.
3. Inputs which come from 5 senses – Sight, Sound, Smell, Taste, and Touch – are called outer inputs and inputs which come from mind are called inner inputs.
4. Modification of mind is input multiplied by focus equal to Modification Of Mind. Either input or focus is zero, the mind cannot fluctuate. Depending upon how much you focus on input can disturb you in the same proportion.
5. Change your focus from undesirable, lower input to desirable higher input. Detached focus from undesirable or lower input and attached focus to desirable or higher input. This is called Vairagya, Quietness.
6. Change of focus is possible by watching, noting down as it is. Noting down the desire or thoughts are arising and disappearing. In between there is a gap. If one can focus on the gap and dissolve in that interval. Fall in the gap and be the gap. It is the deepest experience of beauty. And not only of beauty, but of good and of truth also. In the gap you are. In that gap one is desireless.
7. Core message of Bhagavad Gita is Karma Yoga. Become total in your action. If you are total you are in a balanced mind. Core message of Yoga Sutra is Upasana Yoga. Using your intellect, move from a fluctuating Mind to Balanced Mind. Core message of Vedanta is Gyan Yoga. By practising knowledge of self you will arrive at a Balanced Mind.
8. If we make a combination of Karma Yoga and Upasana Yoga we will find many possibilities to balance the mind. Mantra yoga, Yantra Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Naad Yoga, Raj Yoga, Laya Yoga and Kriya Yoga. Why are there so many ways to regulate the mind? As we all are different and we perceive the world differently. So everyone needs different practice to Balance Mind.
9. Yoga is a process by which Self is United with the Universe and Librates. Practice of yoga can be done either by Sadhana or with Self.