I appreciate your post and admirable interpretation of the Patañjali’s second sutra, 'Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ'.
But the practical points suggested in the post may have only temporary effects, if any. In 16 active hours a day, how a few minutes, say moments, can result in so called 'citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ'? Most of us practice Yogasanas, Pranayam and meditation. But our mind is still fluctuating.
Until Yamas and Niyamas aren't considerably observed and Svādhyāya is undertaken regularly, it will almost impossible to materialize 'citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ. For example, Svādhyāya feeds mind positive thoughts without any object, which in turn create wisdom. Wisdom as such will create auto-suggestion. It's auto-suggestion that will lead to 'citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful reply. I genuinely appreciate your perspective on the deeper work required to approach Patañjali’s vision of citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ. You’re absolutely right; the journey isn’t just about isolated practices or brief moments of calm. It’s a comprehensive path that integrates the Yama, Niyama and Svādhyāya with our everyday lives.
As you beautifully put, Svādhyāya provides nourishment for the mind, encouraging wisdom and inner guidance that align us more closely with this profound state. It’s an ongoing, layered process, one where small practices support each other but ultimately require the sustained grounding that self-study and ethical observance provide.
I’m grateful for your reminder that these steps are not quick fixes but pathways to a more lasting transformation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for the reply. No doubt your knowledge and rigorous practices are scholarly, and I'm moved by. I shold apologize for writing comments.
But I had to write that. Simply because the methods you suggested to stop the tendencies of the fluctuating mind by focusing the mind on worldly soothing things and activities, which after giving peace to the mind for a few moments, make it restless in a new way. These suggestions are alien to AsthangaYoga. But studying or listening to a story from the Puranas while enjoying the fresh air of the garden, sitting in Sukhasana, under a Harshringar plant, gives permanent peace to the mind, which is not the case with obseving beautiful scenes of the garden playing witha dog. In the same way pleasure gained from praises, running Yoga studio, and like.
What I mean to say is that focusing the restlessness of the mind generated by the worldly things and affairs on other things of the same world is a kind of distraction. Over indulgence in, and attachments with, unnecessary worldly things and affairs is the only cause of Chanchal Chitta and mental sufferings. That's all, no more.
I appreciate your post and admirable interpretation of the Patañjali’s second sutra, 'Yogaś citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ'.
But the practical points suggested in the post may have only temporary effects, if any. In 16 active hours a day, how a few minutes, say moments, can result in so called 'citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ'? Most of us practice Yogasanas, Pranayam and meditation. But our mind is still fluctuating.
Until Yamas and Niyamas aren't considerably observed and Svādhyāya is undertaken regularly, it will almost impossible to materialize 'citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ. For example, Svādhyāya feeds mind positive thoughts without any object, which in turn create wisdom. Wisdom as such will create auto-suggestion. It's auto-suggestion that will lead to 'citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful and insightful reply. I genuinely appreciate your perspective on the deeper work required to approach Patañjali’s vision of citta-vṛtti-nirodhaḥ. You’re absolutely right; the journey isn’t just about isolated practices or brief moments of calm. It’s a comprehensive path that integrates the Yama, Niyama and Svādhyāya with our everyday lives.
As you beautifully put, Svādhyāya provides nourishment for the mind, encouraging wisdom and inner guidance that align us more closely with this profound state. It’s an ongoing, layered process, one where small practices support each other but ultimately require the sustained grounding that self-study and ethical observance provide.
I’m grateful for your reminder that these steps are not quick fixes but pathways to a more lasting transformation. Thank you for sharing your thoughts!
Thanks for the reply. No doubt your knowledge and rigorous practices are scholarly, and I'm moved by. I shold apologize for writing comments.
But I had to write that. Simply because the methods you suggested to stop the tendencies of the fluctuating mind by focusing the mind on worldly soothing things and activities, which after giving peace to the mind for a few moments, make it restless in a new way. These suggestions are alien to AsthangaYoga. But studying or listening to a story from the Puranas while enjoying the fresh air of the garden, sitting in Sukhasana, under a Harshringar plant, gives permanent peace to the mind, which is not the case with obseving beautiful scenes of the garden playing witha dog. In the same way pleasure gained from praises, running Yoga studio, and like.
What I mean to say is that focusing the restlessness of the mind generated by the worldly things and affairs on other things of the same world is a kind of distraction. Over indulgence in, and attachments with, unnecessary worldly things and affairs is the only cause of Chanchal Chitta and mental sufferings. That's all, no more.