Vidya - Knowledge

Veda
4 Vedas Nyaya (Logic)
Means of Knowledge

Upaveda
Para(Grace) Health, Archery, Music,
Vaisheshika
Vidya
Architecture
(Matter)
Shruti
(Knowledge) Substances and their Nature
Apara (Heard Vedanga
in samadhi) Support study and
understanding of the Vedas Sankhya (Matter and
Consciousness)
Smriti Analysis of Creation, Space,
Time and Spirit
Upanga(Darshana)
Approach to knowledge Yoga (Science of
consciousness)
(Formulae on different
aspects of consciousness)

Purva Mimamsa
Yagyas, Karma

Vedanta (Uttara
Mimamsa)
Knowledge of Self
Patanjali Yoga sutras

Patanjali
Yoga sutras

Samadhi Sadhana Vibhuti Kaivalya

Pada Pada Pada Pada
• What is Samadhi ? 8 limbs of Yoga Siddhis The final liberation
• Types of Samadhi
• Obstacles in the path
of Yoga
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 1 (Samadhi pada)
• First Sutra : Atha yoganushashanam : Now, we will look into the discipline of Yoga.
• Second Sutra : Yogah Chittavritti Nirodhah (Having a say over modulations/tendencies of mind so that you can
get established in the Seer)
• Vritti saarupyam itaratrah - You assume the form of the mind at other times, activities of the mind. What are the
activities? Vrutayah panchtayayah klishta aklishta

5 Vrittis
(Modulations of Mind)

Pramana Viparyaya Vikalpa Nidra Smriti

Wrong perception/
Wanting proof knowledge
Imagination Sleep Memory

Pratyaksha
Direct/Real
Experience

Anumaana
Inference

Aagama
Scriptural
Knowledge
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 2 (Samadhi pada)
Sa tu dirghakaala nairantarya satkarasevito drudabhoomi - These practices have to be done for a long period of time, with honor and
respect, giving it more importance, then it becomes well-founded in you. Uninterrupted practice, done daily

Abhyaasa (Practice) Practice - is the effort to stay focused on the seer

- over a long period of time, uninterrupted, with honour and respect
Effort to stay focused on the self
Yoga
Having a say over modulations of
mind, being established in the self
Vairagya (Dispassion) Controlling the craving from experienced and heard objects
- Happens when you get a glimpse of the self, in Samadhi
Freedom from craving for pleasure

Tatparam purusha-khyateh-guna-vaitrsnyam If you have had a glimpse of the self/purusha, then it becomes very easy for you to get over these
cravings. They simply drop off at the mere taste of the self.

Samprajnatah Samadhi occurs when there is equanimity in the intellect

Samadhi Samprajnatah samadhi where awareness still remains

Samadhi with awareness can happen through logic, thoughts, bliss or a sense of I am

Vichara anugama Vitark anugama Asmitanugama Anandanugama

Special logic – Who am I – leads Through blissful experience like
Through thoughts Feeling of I AM
to infinity, self-knowledge music, dance etc.
 Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 3 (Samadhi pada)
Viraam-pratyaya-abhyaasa-purvah samskarra-sheshah-anyaaha
The mind comes to a state of rest by practice done earlier (in this life or previous lifetimes), and in this state, only residual impressions remain. This is
another type of samaadhi, without awareness. Viraam – putting an end to all the content in the mind. Prakriti Laya – immersed in nature.

Who attains Samadhi: 1. One who puts effort in practice 2. One who is doing Service to the world 3. Who has
Shraddha(Faith) 4. One who has valour (veerya) 5. One who remembers his origin (Smriti) 6. One who is centered
7. One who is aware
Result (attaining Samadhi) is proportional to the passion & effort : “Teevra samvegaanamaasannah” or by
Ishvarapranidhaanada – dedication to the divine (God)
Who is God ? Who is untouched by Klesha (Misery), Karma (Merits or Demerits from actions), Vipaka (Doesn’t enjoy
or suffer from the fruit of action), Aashaya (latent desires or impressions or opinions, seeds). “Tasya vaachak pranava”
: Closest definition of God is OM
Why chant OM? : “Tajjapastadarthabhavanam” : When you say Om, remembering the totality of Being, which is the
very core of this existence, then witness consciousness dawns in you, obstacles get removed from your way

Nine Obstacles to Yoga

Anawasthitatva
Samshaya Pramada Alasya Avirati
Vyadhi Sthyana Bhrantidarshana Alabdhabhoomikatva Not getting
(Doubt about (Intentionally (Laziness) stabilized in any
(Obsession (Not attaining any state or
(Illness in (Illness in oneself, doing wrong or state or samadhi
with sense (Hallucination) Samadhi)
Body) Mind) technique, shying away
objects)
Guru) from right)
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 4 (Samadhi pada)

5 Signs of Obstacles

Vikshepa
Dukha Dourmanasya Angamejayatva Shvasaprashvasa
(Disturbance in
(Sadness) (Bitterness in Mind) (Restless in body) mind / Wrong (Irregular breathing)
perception)

“Ekatatvaabhyaasa” : To get rid of them, hold on to one principle. (Eg: Chant OM, Focus on Guru, God,
Self/Consciousness, Any of the 5 elements etc.)
• What happens when you keep doing one thing? Boredom comes. Restlessness will surface. The
restlessness & boredom takes you to a peak that it brings clarity.
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 5 (Samadhi pada)
“Maitrikarunamuditoupekshanasukhsdukhspunyaapunyavishayaanam bhavanaathchittaprasadanam”
4 Attitudes

Maitri Karuna Mudita Upeksha

(Happy for People (Indifference for
(Friendliness – with (Compassion – with
who are doing people who are
happy people) unhappy people)
meritorious acts) doing sinful acts)

“Prachardanvidharanbhyam va pranasya”
Breaking the rhythms of breath, natural rhythms of breath & holding breath, sustaining breath in different rhythms.
“Vishayavati va pravrutir-utpanna manasah-stithi-nibandhani”
Through any one object of senses, the mind can be stilled. Eye gazing, Singing with total involvement would still the mind
“Vishoka va jyotishmati”
See your whole mind as light, as a flame. Your consciousness is a flame.
“Veetaraagavishaya va chittam”
If you think of a person who has gone beyond the cravings, then mind also gets those qualities.
“Swapnanidragyaanalambavan va”
Knowledge of sleep & dreams.
“Yathabhimatadhyanadwa”
Giving full attention to whichever activity you like.
“Parmanuparatmahatvaantosya vashikaar” Sign of progress in practices
From the smaller than the smallest, to the bigger than the biggest comes within his purview of operation. Then Nature loves you, starts
supporting you.
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 6 (Samadhi pada)
“Kshina-vitterabhijatasyeva manergrahitr-grahana-grahyeshu tatsthatadanjanata samapattih”
• When the modifications of mind have become weakened, the mind becomes like a transparent crystal, and thus can easily
take on the qualities of whatever object observed, whether that object be the observer, the means of observing, or an
object observed, in a process of engrossment called samapattih.
• Mind becomes clear, like a transparent crystal, so that whatever is witnessed is seen clearly, as it is. In this way the deep
impressions or samskaras that drive karma can been encountered, purified, and transcended, allowing pure consciousness,
purusha, to rest in its true nature

Samapattih

Savitarka samapattih Nirvitarka samapattih Savichara samapattih Nirvichara samapattih

With gross thoughts Without gross thoughts With subtle thoughts Without subtle thoughts

• These four types of meditation on an object extend all the way to the direct experience of unmanifest matter, or prakriti. Thus, as one
progresses in meditation, not only are individual objects witnessed and set aside with non-attachment, but entire levels of meditation
on objects are transcended.
Objectless samadhi comes: While even these latent impressions from truth filled knowledge recede along with the other impressions,
then there is objectless concentration, which was described as the state following the four stage of meditation on an object
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 7 (Sadhana pada)
“Tapaswadhyayaishwarapranidhana kriyayoga”

Purpose of Kriya Yoga : To lessen the misery & lead towards Samadhi

Kriya Yoga
Yoga of action

Tapas Swadhyaya Ishwara pranidhana

Forbearance Self study Surrender
(Kayendra siddhi is achieved) (Connection to the subtle aspects of the (Surrendering known and unknown to
Divine happens) Divine, gives you rest)
 Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 8 (Sadhana pada)
“Avidya asmita raga dvesha abhinivesha pancha klesha”

5 Kleshas
Cause of misery

Asmita Raga
Avidya Craving
Dwesha Abhinivesha
“I” - ness Aversion or Hatred
Ignorance Fear
(Pride or feeling of lack (For sense pleasures,
(Taking impermanent as (Towards oneself or (of death, identity etc.
about one’s achievements, appreciation, fame, power,
permanent) others) Avidya is the root cause)
success, qualifications etc.) position, money etc.)

• Ignorance (Avidya) is the source of all miseries. Acknowledging ignorance is the first step to dissolve all the miseries
• 4 states of Avidya : Dormant, weakened, occasional or active
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 9 (Sadhana pada)
“Avidya asmita raga dvesha abhinivesha pancha klesha”
• Avidya : Thinking that impermanent as permanent; that which is misery
as joy; Your opinion, ideas, people are changing
• Asmita : Considering Intellect as the Seer; Your abilities, weaknesses,
qualifications are not what you are; No achievement can happen
without Grace; Do not underestimate anyone !!
• Craving : Desire to have repeated experience of pleasure; It can even
bring violence in behaviour; all obsessions are reflection of cravings
• Dwesha : Running away from sorrow is hatred (dwesha). Hatred can be
towards others or yourself
• Abhinivesha : Resistance to loss, fear of death of identity, desire for
continuity, clinging to the life. A bit of fear is required to sustain the
body (like salt in the food)
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 10 (Sadhana pada)
“Sati mule tat vipakah jati ayuh bhogah”

3 consequences of
Kleshas

Jaati Bhoga
Ayu (What you enjoy & suffer in life :
(What type of species you are born as,
parents, place of birth etc.) (Lifespan) Qualifications, achievements, lifestyle,
children etc.)

• Bhoga can be pleasurable or painful based on merits & demerits

• Bhoga & Ayu can be changed through Sadhana & Grace.
• Jaati can be changed only for the next lifetime. Again, this depends on the kind of
thoughts you have just before death.
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 11 (Sadhana pada)
“Parinama tapa samskara dukhah guna vrittih virodhat cha dukham eva sarvam vivekinah”

Dukha

Parinama dukha Tapa dukha

(Due to the current situation one is going
Samskara dukha
(Impact of past pleasure) (Memory of past misery brings pain)
through)

The wise sees everything (pain or pleasure) as misery. Hence there is no craving, aversion, “I”-ness or fear

“Heyam dukham anagatam”

• Misery which is yet to come, to be avoided and that is the purpose of Sadhana(Yoga)

“Drashtri drishyayoh samyogah heya hetuh”

• Main cause of Misery is forgetful of the seer being different from scenery
• Neither the cause of pain nor the cause of pleasure to be identified as one’s own
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 6 (Ch 2 Sadhana pada)
“prakasha kriya sthiti shilam bhuta indriya atmakam bhoga apavarga artham drishyam”
3 characteristics of Scenery
Its nature is that of 5 elements and sense organs. Its
purpose is experiencing & liberating.

Prakasha Kriya Sthiti

(It is appealing) (Activity) (Inertia)

“vishesha avishesha linga-matra alingani guna parvani”

• Four states of elements (guna) Vishesh, Avishesh, Ling matra, Aling
• Some gunas have specific identity. E.g., Sweetness of sugar, temperature of water.
• Some gunas have no specific identity e.g., Light. Owl, cat can see in so called darkness

“drashta drishi matrah suddhah api pratyaya anupashyah” Like reflection comes to mirror, seer experiences the scenery.

“tadartha eva drishyasya atma” Self is the cause of all existence, of the scenery.

“krita-artham prati nashtam api anashtam tat anya sadharanatvat”

• When you are established in the idea that I am the consciousness, it is enlightenment. For the liberated being world ceases
to exist. Yet it continues to exist for others.
“sva svami saktyoh svarupa upalabdhi hetuh samyogah” Purpose of scenery is to realize the power of the self

“tasya hetuh avidya” Ignorance is when the seer is engaging with the scenery
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 7 (Ch 2 Sadhana pada)
“yoga anga anusthanad ashuddhi kshaye jnana diptih a viveka khyateh”
By the sustained practice of the eight limbs of yoga, the impurities are destroyed and the light of wisdom, discrimination shines
forth. All eight limbs can be practiced simultaneously. And when we practice all 8 limbs together, we have the possibility to fully
blossom our human potential. With practice of eight limbs of yoga, the freedom that comes from discrimination dawns in you.

“jati desha kala samaya anavacchinnah”

These great vows are not restricted by place, time or situation. They are universal.
“Vitarkabadhane pratipaksha bhavanam”
When Yamas and Niyamas seem difficult to practice, one should cultivate awareness of the consequences. Think of consequences of
not following any of these princinples.
“Vitarka hinsadayah kurta karita anumodita lobha moha purvaka mrudu Madhya adhimatra
dukkha ajnana anant phala iti pratipaksha bhavanam”
Actions opposite to the yamas and niyamas either performed directly by oneself, or encouraging others to perform such actions or
approving those engaged in such actions. Anger, greed or delusion can make you think in opposition to the yamas and niyamas. Such
actions can be mild, moderate or intense in nature. They bring infinite misery and negativity. This is the consequence.

These are mahavrats – the great vows. You will get results according to the extent of your practice.
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 14/15 (Sadhana pada)
Yama & Niyama
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 14 (Sadhana pada)
Yama Definition Fruit after getting established in it
Ahimsa Non-violence, kindness, compassion In presence of someone who is established in
ahimsa, people tend to calm down and drop their
aggressive and violent tendencies.
Satya Being with ‘what is’. Be truthful in your life, Success comes easily to a person who is committed
your presence, your mind not merely in to the truth.
your words but also in your intentions.
Asteya Not stealing. Wealth comes to you when you are not hankering
for it. Even slight intention to steal can keep you
poor.
Brahmacharya Having broadened awareness, moving in Great strength comes.
infinity.
Aparigraha Non-accumulation. Knowledge of one’s self When you refuse ti take anything, whether things,
and confidence in one’s ability. compliments or insults, you acquire ability to
remember your previous lifetimes.
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 15 (Sadhana pada)
Niyama Definition Fruit after getting established in it
Shaucha Purity, cleanliness, inside and outside Sattva Shuddhi – purity in the intellect
Saumanasya – pleasant, happy mind
Chittaikagrata – awareness and focus increases
Indriyajaya – control over your senses
Atmadarshana yogyata – ability to realise the self comes
Santosh Being unconditionally happy is a Unparalleled happiness comes.
practice. You have to develop it yourself.
Decide to be happy. Anyway, everything
is going to die and disappear. So, do not
worry.
Tapas Forbearing the opposites. Kayendriya Siddhi – brings perfection to the senses.
Ashuddhi kshaya – eliminates impurities
Swadhyaya Self-study, being aware of oneself, being One gets ability to feel the presence of Divinity.
hollow and empty.
Ishwara Devotion to divinity, being like a child in Perfection in samadhi is attained.
pranidhana mother’s lap.
Patanjali Yoga sutras – Episode 15/16 (Sadhana pada)
Limb of Definition Benefits
Yoga
Asana Stable and comfortable posture. Make an effort to This roots out the conflict and duality in you.
get into any posture and then let go, relax. By
letting go, alignment with infinity is attained.
Pranayama Interrupting the flow of inhalation and exhalation is Consciousness is light itself, it is surrounded
called pranayama. Breathe in, hold, breathe out and by a veil of ignorance. This veil thins down so
hold with some count. that the light shines through. Then one is
Sometimes in deep meditation, when mind is able to see that they are the light.
beyond the sensory perception, a spontaneous Then one gets ability to practice dharana.
pranayama happens. This is fourth type of
pranayama.
Pratyahara Withdrawal of the senses. The senses turning This gives supreme control over the senses.
inward. One feels real elevation and real
completeness.