PATANJALI = YOGA SUTRAS = POST 21 VS 1.21,22,23 = HOW DEVOTION; DETERMINATION; SURRENDER INFLUENCE RESULTS

PATANJALI

YOGA SUTRAS

POST-21 –VERSE 21,22,23

CHAPTER.1 : SAMAADHI PAADHA

In the last 3 posts, we saw how Sadhaka attains Samprajnaatha Samaadhi and Asamprajnaatha Samaadhi. We saw how some Yogis remain at Samprajnaatha Samaadhi level and turn into videhis and prakrithilayaas.

We also saw that it was very easy for the videhis and prakrithilayaas with a little effort – to achieve total liberation through asmprajnaatha Samaadhi.

For others a deeper practice is needed with Shraddha (faith and trust), Veerya (energetic practice), Smriti (keeping in mind the past successes), Samaadhi(practicing smadhi), prajnaa (achieving higher wisdom)

APHORISM.21

theevra samvegaanaam  asannah

Ø  theevra = extreme; with great determination;

Ø  samvegaanaam = speed, momentum;

Ø  asannah = comes very close

For the Sadhaka who pursues his Saadhana or practice with great determination, enthusiasm and speed, the goal comes very near.

Patanjali lays great stress on uninterrupted, devoted and determined practice. When this is adhered to, the goal of Mukthi itself comes nearer to the Sadhaka. But, do all Sadhakas practice with such great intensity and uninterrupted devotion?

APHORISM.22

mridhu madhya

adhimaathrathvaath

api visheshah

Ø  mridhu = mild; feeble

Ø  madhya = medium; middle level

Ø  adhimatrath  = intense; strong

Ø  thvaath = from that

Ø  api = also

Ø  visheshah = different; distinction

Among the Sadhakas  – practice differs from (i) very feeble and low Intensity, to (ii) medium intensity to (ii) very strong intensity levels.

The result of their practice also depends on such intensity.

APHORISM.22

Eeshvara

pranidhanaadh va

Ø  Eeshvara = Purusha, God, Supreme Lord of all Creation

Ø  Pranidhaanadh = Surrender; dedication

Ø  vaa = or

A total surrender or dedication of all the fruits of our actions to the supreme Lord of all creation, Eeshwara, also results in liberation.

Yogis do recognize the existence of a Supreme Lord and name him Eeshwara.

Patanjali himself asserts that surrendering to this supreme Purusha, or surrendering the fruits of all of our actions to him (both meaning the same) also results in Mukthi or liberation that results from Asamprajnaatha Samaadhi.

But, what is surrender? When do we not surrender? 


When the mind is full of Ego - surrender is impossible. Surrender, in fact, is, of  our Ego in total. When failures occur, the ego takes a beating. Surrender is possible then too. When successes occur, and when we see, that our failures and successes are not  totally due to us, that the superior force of almighty is always at work to reward our effort adequately - surrender or samarpan becomes possible.

This is wonderful. But, to whom are we surrendering our self or the fruits of all actions? Who is this Eeshwara? Patanjali answers this in next verse.

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