Integrating Ancient Wisdom in Modern Life: A Code Of Life
- Hinduism is called Sanatana Dharma, Eternity. Hinduism is based on the practice of dharma, a code of life, given in the form of sutras and mantras.
- Sutra means – Alpaksharam, Beyond Doubt, Essence, Universal Application, Continuous, and Faultless. Mantra is a seed word given by the master to a disciple.
- The word “sutra” denotes literally “threads,” and is used by Brahmanic writers for short, dry sentences, brief expositions.
- Mantra is a deep communion, a deep transfer of energy from the master to the disciple. Energy always flows downwards. Every energy flows downwards, just like water flows downwards. The master – one who has attained, one who has known, one who has become – is the highest peak of energy possible, of purest energy… the Everest of energy.
- Mantras are a source of power, and it is true that all the religions have devised mantras, because all religions fall from the search for peace to search for power, miracle. Those individuals around whom the religions are born had indeed attained to emptiness, but those who gather around them do not do so to become empty; they are interested in something else, they are interested in the opposite, miracle, power.
- Knowing well human mind, Patanjali in chapter 3 “Vibhuti Pada” is talking about all these miracles not that one should strive to attain them, but just to make you aware and alert that they happen and don’t get caught by them, and don’t use them – because once you start using them, your growth stops. The energy then is stuck there. Don’t use them. These sutras are to make you alert and aware that these things will happen, and there is a tendency in the mind, a temptation to use them. Who would not like to see into another’s mind? You have tremendous power over the other, but yoga is not a power trip, and a real yogi will never do it.
- Patanjali Yoga Sutra is told in 4 chapters. 1. Samadhi Pada 2. Sadhana Pada 3. Vibhuti Pada 4. Kaivalya Pada. The 1st three chapters explain how to silence or balance your mind by Sadhana, Samadhi which is a Means. The 4th chapter is on Union of Self with Universe, Existence which is Practicable.
- How to Study the Sutra – 4 reliances – Rely on the message not on the messenger. Rely on the meaning not on the word. Rely on the real meaning and not on the provisional meaning. Rely on your wisdom mind not on a judgemental mind.
- Five stages of mind are Disturbed mind, Dull Mind, Distracted Mind, Focus Mind and Restrained Stage. Yoga Sutra is a journey from Disturbed mind till Restrained stage.
