Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath. Chapter 1, Verse 20

Pada 1, Sutra 20

Sanskrit Verse

Sraddha-virya-smrti-samadhi-prajna-purvaka itaresam

Translation

The enstasy of the other Yogis is preceded by faith, courage, mindfulness, cognitive absorption and illuminating insight.

Interpretation

The other Yogis referred to here are the Yogis who have entered the state of Asamprajnatah Samadhi or non-distinguished cognitive absorption. The foundational Sadhana of such Yogis are:

Faith: not the blind faith often misunderstood and practiced in the monotheistic religions but faith as belief in action reflected as a positive attitude towards the Yogic way of life.

Courage: from true faith emerges courage, a manifestation of inner strength. It takes courage (a lot of energy) to push through one’s limitations and complacency.

Mindfulness: as a result of mind Kriyas (Dharana) and meditation (Dhyana) as well as bringing awareness to one’s thoughts, words, feelings and actions in daily life without judgement or justification (i.e. in an attitude of detachment). In the state of mindfulness, one will become aware of the impermanence of all phenomena by simply being aware of the Here-Now.

Cognitive Absorption: regular experience of Samprajnata Samadhi or qualified or distinguished cognitive absorption by means of Yogic Sadhana. samprajnata Samadhi is a precursor to Asamprajnata Samadhi or the direct experience that there is no self but the Self and that everything is the Self.

Illuminating Insight: the motto of the Adept is eternal vigilance lest one falls back to the mire of confusion and delusion (i.e. the samsaric wheel of the whirlpool of the mind— citta vrittis). From eternal vigilance will emerge inner guidance that will assist one in avoiding the perils on the path and attune one to the inner whispering of one’s intuition to fulfill one’s own destiny in this lifetime (Svadharma).