Total Concentration(samadhi) of Mind
A true Yogi(practitioner) is one who has acquired self-knowledge and through continuous practice and detachment has been able to rest in true self, so firmly that he seldom slips down from it. Samadhi is the state where one realises the true self or soul. When true self is realised everything is realised. There are three kinds of Samadhi - Samprajnata(conscious), Asamprajnata(supraconscious) and Jada(inert). Let us first see what Samprajnata Samadhi is. Patanjali describes - Samprajnata is achieved by following argument(vitarka), analysis(vichara), bliss(ananda) and egoism(asmita)(I.17). When a Yogi turns away from all those things that are either seen or heard of, he begins to think about himself, like - who am I; why I am here; what to do here; what this world(samsara) is; who is God and where does He lives. In this way many arguments(vitarka) appear in his mind. In order to know the truth he reads scriptures, listens to wise people and starts analyzing(vichara) what he learnt. A true analyst always ends up with the truth. Upanishads have glorified human beings and soul(atman). atman has been described as Brahman, the ultimate reality. So after right analysis when a Yogi finds out that he himself is that glorified super being, he feels the bliss(ananda). This develops egoism(asmita) in him, as there is none greater than him. In this way and with these thoughts a Yogi enters into Samadhi and realises himself. This is the Samprajnata(conscious) Samadhi. Then comes the Asamprajnata(supracoscious) Samadhi. When a Yogi enters into Samadhi regularly he becomes so much adept in this practice that he no longer thinks about practice, detachment or true self. All of these become part and parcel of his body and mind. Whenever he wishes he enters into Samadhi. Patanjali describes Asamprajnata Samadhi as - the state where practice for controlling of thoughts remains merely as memory(samskara), becomes Asamprajnata Samadhi which is other than the Samprajnata Samadhi(I.18). In this state, thoughts, controlling of thoughts, practice and detachment; all these things remain as memory or impression. One only feels the bliss of true self. This state cannot be described adequately. Then let us see what Jada(inert) Samadhi is. In both the Samprajnata and Asamprajnata Samadhi consciousness is never lost. These are such sleeping states where one is waking and fully conscious. A conscious being should not try to become unconscious at any state. However many people try to enter into Samadhi unconsciously. They remain unconscious for several hours/days. This is Jada(inert) Samadhi. Patanjali describes - the state of unconsciousness(videha) and disappearing into the material world(prakritilaya) is due to the act of inertness(bhava)(I.19). Unconsciousness is the state where one is not aware of one's own body, mind or self. It is like entering into a comatic state. One disappears into material world and becomes as good as or as bad as matter. So instead of trying to become a material thing one should try to become more conscious, gracious, blissful and intelligent. Unconsciousness is a disease in Samadhi. One who thinks that soul is separate from and inferior to God, one cannot realise one's true self and enter into Samadhi. Only a Yogi who knows that soul is not different from God, may enter into Samadhi. for this Patanjali instructs - by bearing(pranidhan) God(Ishvara) in oneself(I.23). One should bear God in one's heart of deeper mind. For most people it may seem highly improbable, because how God may be carried in one's heart. For this Patanjali dscribes who God Is. Any human being(purushavishesh) who has separated himself from those evil thoughts which generate such fruits of action that give pain is God(Ishvara)(I.24). So one is God who has dispelled all evil thoughts from the mind. Evil thoughts may be controlled when one realises that soul is God and when one bears Godliness qualities in himself. By this he transforms himself from a mere mortal being to God. Krishna, Buddha, Jesus and Mohammad were all God. They had imbibed all those divine attributes which people believe to exist in God. All these divine attributes emanates from soul(atman) for this the aim of Yoga is to realise true self Author Premansu Chand,40, is an Indian and Govt. servent. In his leisure he reads scriptures and practices Yoga. He has published a book 'Quest for Truth; the spiritual and yogic way' to spread true spiritualism and Yoga. http://www.bookstobelievein.com/questfortruth.php
premansu_chand@rediffmail.com
MORE RESOURCES:
Free Yoga Classes in the Park?Biscayne Times, FL - 2 hours agoThree times each week people gather here with their mats and their water bottles for yoga classes -- free of charge. On a recent summer day, ... |
Yoga Helping Alzheimer's PatientsKOLN, NE - 5 hours agoYoga is being used by The Arbors assisted living center in Lincoln as a revolutionary treatment for Alzheimer's Disease. It's a lot like regular Yoga with ... |
Yoga For ArthritisCorsavoo.com, France - 7 hours agoWith the help of yoga, you can become stronger and more flexible as well as confident - even if you are suffering from arthritis. ... |
Swami Mukundananda teaches yoga in NJIndiaPost.com, CA - 3 hours agoNEW JERSEY: Over 200 people attended a six-day yoga camp last week conducted by Swami Mukundananda, a student of Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, ... |
Real Raja Yoga starts from concentrationIndiaPost.com, CA - 1 hour agoReal Raja Yoga starts from concentration. Concentration merges in meditation. Concentration is a portion of meditation. Meditation follows concentration. ... |
Wellness Center offers yoga, pilates classesUST Bulletin Today, MN - 3 hours agoSTAR and the Wellness Center present fall yoga and pilates classes open to all St. Thomas students, faculty and staff. No experience is necessary. ... |
Yoga - Google News
|
 |
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
What is Patanjalis Ashtanga Yoga?- Part(I)
The Sanskrit word 'Yoga' has two meaning, because it is derived from two roots - one is 'yujir yoge' and other is 'yuj samadhou'. The root 'yujir yoge' means to join or to unite.
Hatha Yoga
One of the many subsets of the 5000 year old system used to increase the well being of the mind, body and spirit, is known as Hatha Yoga.In Hatha Yoga participants combine a series of stretching exercises referred to as asanas, specialized breathing techniques and mental concentration.
How to Find the Right Yoga Class For You
There are many types of yoga, some with more emphasis on the physical part of the practice and some with a more spiritual approach, some that will make you sweat and some where you'd spend half a class holding the same posture.There is a type of yoga for anyone!When choosing a class that's right for you, you have to consider your personal preferences.
This is Not Your Grandma's Rocking Chair
Senior Yoga / Chair YogaIs it possible that grandparents are working out more than any other members of the family? Absolutely - I see energetic Chair Yoga classes with as many as 50 people in a single class. Lately, I have been training local Yoga teachers to keep up with this popular demand.
Eight Amazing Benefits of Teaching Yoga
Every challenging occupation yields some sort of satisfaction, but the fitness professionals industry had an amazing 85% job satisfaction rate according to an Idea Health & Fitness survey.Job SatisfactionIn the same survey, 98% of those interviewed felt that "My work gives me a feeling of personal accomplishment.
Yoga - The Solution for Insomnia
At one time, or another, all of us have experienced insomnia for any type of reason. There are times when lack of sleep just can't be helped, such as: the loss a loved one, going through a divorce, and losing your job.
What is Self Mastery? - Part 4
Now, let's cover the last component of self-mastery, which is spiritual health. Sometimes, the discussion of spiritual health is considered "politically incorrect.
Yoga and Christianity a Conflict?
Being a practicing Christian myself, there are very few things in Yoga that conflict with Christianity. Some critics argue that Yoga and Christianity cannot co-exist, and yet we know that Yoga is not a religion.
The Fountain of Youth & Your Hormones
Everyone has heard of the mythical "Fountain of Youth", but very few realize that it actually does exist. And even fewer realize that it exists inside every one of us.
Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals - Part 1
Time is valuable and there are a number of successful methods for goal realization. Yoga will cross train your mind and body for maximum potential.
Discover How Yoga Will Help You Reach Your Goals - Part 2
At this point, let's break down the major components of a typical Hatha Yoga session, and see how each one will enable you to reach your goals. There are nine main styles of Yoga in India, but most of the popular styles, outside of India, are variations of Hatha Yoga.
Yoga for PMS
Most women experience PMS symptoms at different points of their lives. PMS (premenstrual symptom) is usually characterized by anxiety, irritability, depression, craving sugary foods and feeling bloated.
What is Self Mastery? - Part 2
To continue with our overview of the physical component of self mastery, it goes without saying that walking is a valuable aerobic exercise - but you have options. You can use a bicycle for nice days, or use indoor aerobic exercise equipment for use on inclement weather days.
Yoga and Pregnancy
Every woman wants to have a healthy baby. Yogic practices, when done with care, can make a woman's body stronger and more flexible.
Yoga Position - What Does Each Type Do?
I often wondered what the value of each type of yoga position is, so I did some research to find out. All yoga positions help to develop strength and flexibility.
Nine Things You Should Know About Yoga for Children
Here are some guidelines and realistic expectations for parents, who are considering Yoga for their children. For your child, Yoga is much more than a kid's fitness class.
Yoga is a Safe Solution to Weight Control
One more study tells the world, that Yoga can help with weight control and weight loss. The latest study was held by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center in Seattle, Washington.
Confessions of a Yoga Teacher
The following are questions that Yoga teachers still need to answer, despite overwhelming evidence that Yoga is "the mother of all health maintenance systems." Mainstream thought is finally catching up, with the progress Yoga is making, but it has taken 5,000 years for us to get this far.
Eating Wisely and Weight Loss
Please bear in mind that I am not a dietician, or a physician, and my opinions are those of a Yoga teacher, personal fitness trainer, and life-long student of Ayurveda. Always consult your family physician before changing your diet.
Yoga in the Office
Spending eight or more hours a day in an office chair, staring at the computer screen can cause backaches, hunched shoulders and painful neck. Try these yogic stretches a few times throughout the day to feel better in the office.
|
