Pada 3, Sutra 6 Sanskrit Verse Tasya bhoomisu viniyogah Translation Its (Samyama’s) application / progression is in stages. Interpretation The application of Samyama just like Yoga itself is a gradual process leading to Prajna or Illuminous Insight of not only objects of attention themselves but of the very nature of existence, the Self. Reflection For realization of the True Nature of things (i.e. Revelation of Essence and Universal Truth) and its integration in conscious aw

Pada 3, Sutra 5 Sanskrit Verse Taj-jayaat prajnaalokah Translation Through mastery of Samyamah comes the light of insight. Interpretation The pure unblemished nature of mind is light, the light of pure awareness. By first constraining the mind so it is not distracted and dissipated, it starts becoming aware of awareness itself. Awareness becomes integrated dissolving into awareness itself, the illuminating insight of direct perception. Reflection Awareness of awareness is t

Pada 3, Sutra 4 Sanskrit Verse Trayam ekatra sanyamah Translation The three practiced together upon one object is sanyamah or constraint. Interpretation Concentration (Dhaaranaa), meditation (Dhyaana) and cognitive absorption (Samaadhi) is one continuous process and when focused on a single focus of attention (the object), the three become know as sanyamah or constraint. Sanyamah is a constraint that gives rise to a very deep communion with the object. This constraint not

Pada 3, Sutra 3 Sanskrit Verse Tad evaartha-maatra-nirbhaasam svaroopa-shoonyam iva samaadhih Translation When consciousness shines forth as the object only, as if empty of its own essence, that is cognitive absorption or Samadhi. Interpretation Rishi Patanjali here masterfully describes the state of direct perception where the mind is absorbed and becomes identified with the object of perception. That absorption into the object which totally identifies itself as the object

Pada 3, Sutra 2 Sanskrit Verse Tatra pratyayaika-taanataa dhyaanam Translation The unbroken flow of attention towards a single point or object is meditation. Interpretation Meditation is continuous to concentration. First one needs to withdraw from external distractions occasioned via the propensity of the sense organs by reversing and internalizing their flow. By this economy of sensory motion, one has then the singular opportunity to focus on the object of one’s choice.