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Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 1, Verse 14


Pada 1, Sutra 14

Sanskrit Verse

Sa tu dirgha-kala-nairantarya-satkarasevito drdha-bhumih

Translation

Practice becomes firmly grounded when attended to for a long time, without interruption and with earnest devotion.

Interpretation

Another dictum would be: anything worth having is worth working towards. And since the habit of our mind has been to be outwardly focused, being enticed by the senses, to constantly oscillate and be in a regular state of agitation and cogitation it will take constant sincere uninterrupted vigilance and effort (work) to permanently settle the mind so that it can make peace with itself (pales even the labor of Hercules in regards to effort). And then and only then, can one dive deeper within the ocean of consciousness to encounter that Divine Pearl within.

Practice

The diminution and ending of the fluctuations of the mind-stuff takes practice. For a Sadhak it starts on the meditation cushion and culminates in one’s daily activities and interactions.

In your Sadhana (on the cushion or mat) witness the fluctuation of your mind without judgment or justification. Bring your mind back to your breath, Asana, Mantra, Yantra, to whatever practice you are doing. Develop an attitude of reverence to your Spiritual Path, Sadhana and Guru.

In your daily activities and interactions, focus on the Self within and witness everything else as modulation of the divine energies within and without. Only be attached to the Divine Self within and to serving the Divine Self in others.

Practice will mean being patient, having perseverance, exercising relentless vigilance and being devoted to, letting oneself being infused with, the Divine Self, the Eternal Witness within.

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