Patanjal Yoga Sutras - I

 

 

 

I received requests from many friends and acquaintances to write on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. In the first part, I will introduce the first chapter of Patanjal Yoga Sutra. Divided into four chapters, the first chapter named Samadhi Pada or the part dealing with the highest state of consciousness, contains fifty one Sutras or aphorisms. Patanjali has introduced Yoga as Anushasanam meaning a disciplined code of conduct -Sutra (1:1) He is defining Yoga as Chittavrittinirodha or the control of the modifications of the mind-Sutra(1:2). The purpose of Yoga is to establish consciousness into its pure and pristine form-Sutra( 1:3). Mental modifications are five in number. Some of the mental modifications cause pain and suffering, while others are non afflictive-Sutra(1:5). Yoga is supposed to end these afflictions of the mind. Constant practice and a sense of detachment are required to calm the waves of the mindSutra (1: 12).Patanjali has prescribed many body and mind based exercises to achieve the blissful and pure state of consciousness. The first prominent practice is chanting the word AUM-Sutra ( 1:28). AUM is a sound which produces maximum vibrations during the chanting. The letter A is uttered by the throat.

 

The letter U is pronounced by lips and M by the nose. Thus right from the throat to the nose all articulatory organs are activated. These sound waves are highly soothing to the mind and they produce nitric oxide in the nasal passage. Release of nitric oxide relaxes our nervous system. The second important practice which Patanjali has prescribed is strong exhalation and retention of the breath - Sutra (1:34). Research has found that long exhalation activates our parasympathetic nervous system and vagus nerve which are responsible for relaxing our body and mind. Among the methods prescribed by Patanjali to calm down the wavering mind, meditation occupies a very prominent role- Sutra (1:39). Patanjali has chronicled many methods of positive behavioural application to achieve a blissful state of the mind. Cultivation of friendship, compassion, joy and indifference respectively towards subjects of happiness, misery, virtue and evil is one of the methods to make the mind full of bliss-(1:33). Modern Positive Psychology is grounded on the same principles. In the Sutras from thirty fifth to thirty eighth, Patanjali has enlisted numerous methods of auto suggestions.

 

By creating a tendency or an imaginary state, one can steady the mind. In this type of auto suggestion, one imagines a mental state and focuses the attention. As a result of unwavering contemplation, a blissful state of the mind is achieved. The next technique prescribed by Patanjali is to stabilise attention on the light which appears while eyes are closed. He has suggested focusing attention on the life of a virtuous and saintly person. One of the methods which Patanjali has outlined to steady the mind is the dream experience. Modern psychology has attached great importance to dreams. Right from Freud to other prominent psychologists, the study of dreams occupies a very important place. Thus, we find that modern psychology and psychotherapy are using similar methods to create positivity in our behaviour and thinking.