The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali Part 1

1.1 atha yoganusananam

With prayers for divine blessings, now begins an exposition of the sacred art of yoga.

One interpretation is to take this as a detailed explanation of how to practice the discipline of yoga. That following this ‘spiritual science’ man can transcend the Karmic Wheel of birth, death and rebirth. Another understanding  is f the concept of ‘now’. This view resonates with me, now is the only reality we exist in, this breath and being present in the moment. The practice of yoga moves us towards a state of balance, a balanced mind leads to yogic consciousness, allowing us to be present in the moment.

1.2 yoga-citta-vritti-nirodha

Yoga is the cessation of the movements in the consciousness.

First was Tao, the way, from which yin and yang sprung. Tao was the perfect balance of energy which allowed the expression of these perfect polarities. These interdependent opposites are in constant motion. This play between them creates everything, both within us and without us. Through the practice of yoga, we are able to cultivate a balanced yin and yang patterns, qi flows freely and properly within the body and according to the season. Following this pattern our consciousness which is housed within the heart is able to be nourished and held within its centre. The emperor Shen is ruling over the kingdom (temple of the body) and consciousness remains without fluctuations. We experience Joy, the emotion of the heart and unconditional love.

1.3

Tada-drastu-svarupe-avasthanam

Then the seer abides in his/her own true nature.

Yoga means to yoke and bring together all our various parts. At times it can mean bringing together opposing forces, your yin and yang aspects, such as the shadow and the ego. Integration of the of opposite aspects grants us more qi. This surge of qi can lead to epiphanies, internal shifts and the possibility to transcend judgements. Dropping our judgements allows us to move through our internal labyrinth leading us to the greater whole. Through the practice of yoga the veil that separates us from our world view, falls away. We are the universe within, a macrocosmic orbit, circulating within the macrocosm. Yoga allows us to reconnect with the rhythms of the universe, making us one again.

1.4 Vrtt-sarupyam-itaratra

At other times the seer identifies with the fluctuation of the mind and forgets his/her true essence.

Yin and yang are in a constant state of dynamic balance. The transformational relationship is not a static one. One changes into the other. Such as day changes into night and the seasons shift, both within and without us, yang shifts into yin and yin into yang. This is the way. Disharmony of qi will result if we do not live in accordance to this shifting and that in turn leads to imbalance. This imbalance leads to disharmony and this will resonate within our minds. The veil rises,  again separating us from ‘Tao’.  We lose our connection with the whole,  becoming isolated mirco universes circulating within the cosmic soup.