Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 15 Types of Engrossments – Yoga Sutras (1.42-1.43) Overview: When the mind becomes concentrated and the extraneous thought patterns begin to subside (as a result of the persistent practice of one-pointed meditation), the mind can then be not only concentrated, but also more thoroughly engrossed in the object …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 14 After the Mind is Stable – Yoga Sutras (1.40-1.41) Overview: Once the mind has been reasonably stabilized and clear (see yoga sutras 1.33-1.39), the process of Yoga can begin to deepen further. Once the deeper stages are reached the mind then becomes like a transparent crystal (sutra …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 13 Stabilizing/Clearing the Mind, cont. – (Yoga Sutras 1.36-1.39) Overview: The previous two sutras (1.34 & 1.35 – see pt. 12) were the 1st and 2nd of five specific “concentrations” that Patanjali recommended for stabilizing the mind. And we were reminded to become aware of the actual sensing …
Chapter 1 – Concentration/Samadhi Pada – Part 12 Stabilizing/Clearing the Mind – Yoga Sutras (1.33-1.35) Overview: Many teachers of meditation emphasize only one method. Concentrating on the breath is just one example. Some focus on a specific center in the body (chakra) or fixed gazing on some visual object (trataka) as outlined in sutras 1.33 …
We have all heard that we should always do what makes us happy or brings us joy. We have an idea that what we do is related to some special dream. We believe that we will achieve or accomplish happiness and joy with a lot of work, perseverance, and effort. The truth is that we …
Introduction to the Yoga Sutras (Part 2) The concept of yoga being a path toward discovering the Light of the Soul may be difficult to grasp at first. Patanjali says that the path of yoga can help us to realize that creative force that keeps the universe humming. This behind the scenes energy is identical …
Introduction to the Yoga Sutras (Part 1) Most students of yoga have heard of Patanjali, but if they haven’t, then it’s only a matter of time before they do. Patanjali was an Indian sage who distilled the essence of India’s spiritual/philosophical traditions, which included centuries of philosophies and practices, and condensed this knowledge into 196 …
Life is a flow of inhalations and exhalations; it is a journey. It comes with its joys and sorrows, its ups and downs. Finding happiness and peace within every situation is our challenge. Our work is how to navigate and enjoy the ups, the in-betweens, and the downs without creating any aversion to them. We …
Being in the now – the only thing we have is now. The only thing we know for sure in life is we will all meet death. How fragile life is. So why not focus on living each day as a gift? Live with a sense of humbleness, admiration, and gratitude? Why not befriend death? …
Part 2 of 2 Most of us are waiting in long lines to buy groceries, seeing streets with less cars, and people all around with face masks on. We’re staying a minimum of 6 feet away (if the order is being obeyed). It’s like we’re seeing ourselves in a movie, but no, it’s reality! And …
Navigating Through Our Emotions (Re: COVID-19) – Part 2 Read More »