Here Krishna gives practical advice of how to bring the mind into a state of stillness because, as he explains, yoga is the breaking of contact with suffering. When the body, mind and senses are in a state of balance (samatvam), and the habit patterns of the mind which create fluctuations (vrittis) are overcome, one can achieve a state of stillness and equanimity similar to a lamp in a windless place, unwavering and steady. That is the path of yoga. Starting with the body and the erectness of the spine, drawing the senses within, focusing the mind in one-pointed attention (ekagra), letting go of attachments and aversions (raga, dvesha), one can reach the peace beyond passion and the bliss of nirvana.
The Yoga Sutras and the Upanishads echo these same teachings and there are many similarities between the various texts. For our discussion, please feel free to bring up any key sutras that resonate with you from the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.
We will chant slokas 15 and 19 for Thursday 28 May 2020. Please pay particular attention to these slokas and read chapter 6 which you will find eminently readable, full of wisdom and liberating in these uncertain times.
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