Yoga: A Gem for Women - by: Geeta Iyengar
In the last post, citta was explained as being made up of mind, ego and intellect and being composed of the three basic qualities of sattva, rajas and tamas.
Geeta explains that according to the predominant quality, the mental states or modifications (vrittis) are formed.
These modifications are five-fold and they are Pramana, Viparyaya, Vikalpa, Nidra and Smrti.
Geeta writes:
Pramana is proof as experienced by the five senses and mind and obtained either by direct perception, inference or scriptural testimony.
Viparyaya is a mistaken view
Vikalpa is imagination or something without factual basis
Nidra is sleep
Smrti is memory
When unrestrained these vrittis tie us to the material world and the more rajas or tamasic qualities.
Yoga, Geeta tells us teaches us to restrain the five vrittis and to lead a spiritual life.
How are we to do this?
Geeta gives us Patanjali's two fold remedy for controlling the fluctuations of the mind.
Sutra 1.12 - abhyasa-vairagyabhyam tannirodhah - They are practice or study and the absence of worldly desires or detachment.
Abhyasa - Study or Practice
Geeta writes that "without rigorous practice nothing is gained. Without practice, purity of the body and the mind cannot be achieved, fluctuations of the mind cannot be controlled."
This rigorous practice is fourfold - moral, physical, mental and spiritual.
Patanjali writes in Sutra 1.14 that rigorous practice has to be long-lasting and uninterrupted, and performed with dedication and respect; then alone the foundation is well prepared.
Vairagya - Absence of Worldly Desires
Geeta writes that "The key to success is in effort. Vairagya or absence of worldly desires can be achieved by controlling the senses, by carrying out one's duties without thought of reward and by acting with goodness and purity."
Both are needed for success in yoga.
It has been written by B.K.S. Iyengar and by Geeta Iyengar, relating practice and detachment to the wings of a bird. Two wings are needed for flight, as well as the coordination between the two!
Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com
Geeta explains that according to the predominant quality, the mental states or modifications (vrittis) are formed.
These modifications are five-fold and they are Pramana, Viparyaya, Vikalpa, Nidra and Smrti.
Geeta writes:
Pramana is proof as experienced by the five senses and mind and obtained either by direct perception, inference or scriptural testimony.
Viparyaya is a mistaken view
Vikalpa is imagination or something without factual basis
Nidra is sleep
Smrti is memory
When unrestrained these vrittis tie us to the material world and the more rajas or tamasic qualities.
Yoga, Geeta tells us teaches us to restrain the five vrittis and to lead a spiritual life.
How are we to do this?
Geeta gives us Patanjali's two fold remedy for controlling the fluctuations of the mind.
Sutra 1.12 - abhyasa-vairagyabhyam tannirodhah - They are practice or study and the absence of worldly desires or detachment.
Abhyasa - Study or Practice
Geeta writes that "without rigorous practice nothing is gained. Without practice, purity of the body and the mind cannot be achieved, fluctuations of the mind cannot be controlled."
This rigorous practice is fourfold - moral, physical, mental and spiritual.
Patanjali writes in Sutra 1.14 that rigorous practice has to be long-lasting and uninterrupted, and performed with dedication and respect; then alone the foundation is well prepared.
Vairagya - Absence of Worldly Desires
Geeta writes that "The key to success is in effort. Vairagya or absence of worldly desires can be achieved by controlling the senses, by carrying out one's duties without thought of reward and by acting with goodness and purity."
Both are needed for success in yoga.
It has been written by B.K.S. Iyengar and by Geeta Iyengar, relating practice and detachment to the wings of a bird. Two wings are needed for flight, as well as the coordination between the two!
Namaste.
Pamela Nelson
www.plnyoga.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.