Pada 2, Sutra 44 Sanskrit Verse Svaadhyaayaad ista-devataa-samprayogah Translation Due to self-study connection with one’s chosen deity. Interpretation The current evolution of human beings is in the form of homo sapiens meaning man of knowledge. Due to our brain development, we have the capacity to understand life, ourselves, the universe. Knowledge in fact has neither beginning nor end. The highest knowledge is to know and understand man’s proper relationship with himself,

Pada 2, Sutra 43 Sanskrit Verse Kaayendriya-siddhir ashuddhi-ksayaat tapasah Translation Owing to austerity, impurities of the body and senses are eliminated and perfection gained. Interpretation Austerity or Tapas here implies the inner fire of purification that is caused by intense spiritual practice. That intensity with proper devotion towards the Divine, that Being that resides within all selves, will alchemically reduce to ashes all impurities within self in order to be

Pada 2, Sutra 42 Sanskrit Verse Santosaad anuttamah sukha-laabhah Translation Owing to contentment, unexcelled joy is attained. Interpretation Contentment is true happiness. Being fulfilled right here, right now! Life is made up of time, and time is composed of moments. The secret to happiness is to be totally present and grateful for each moment as it may be our last. This is the true magic of life, not knowing which moment is our last. It is only the ego which wants to

Pada 2, Sutra 41 Sanskrit Verse Sattva-shuddhi-saumanasyaikaagryendriya-jayaatma-darshana-yogyatvaani ca Translation Furthermore due to purity, there is the clarity of brightness, cheerfulness, one-pointedness, mastery of the five sense organs and fitness to realize the Self. Interpretation As Swami Gitananda quite aptly stated: there is no Yoga (or chance for re-union with the Divine Self Within) without the Yamas and Niyamas. Yoga is a step-by-step process. We are purifyi