The Philosophy of Yoga (Yoga
Sutra 1.39)
By Amy Van Mui
yathabhimata dhyanat va
"Or, by meditating on any desired
object conducive to steadiness of
consciousness."
The
above sutra resonates within anyone
that is on the yoga path.
Whether the sadhaka (aspirant/practitioner)
is casual or possesses a dedicated
single-mindedness, meditation can
still be a challenge. No
matter how one-pointed our intention
may be in quieting the citta
(conscious chatter) we
can easily be distracted.
Examples of distraction range from
remembering recent situations to
what our "to-do" list is for the
day, or simply the noise or lack of
noise that surrounds us. Our
minds find it hard to be quiet.
This particular sutra helps
us advance in our meditation.
It suggests that we meditate
on a desired
object that we find pleasant to
contemplate. Then we will move
away from the unpleasant pressures
and emotional reactions that may be
clouding our minds. B.K.S.
Iyengar's Light on the Yoga
Sutras of Pantanjali
clarifies that the desired objects
are not to be external in nature,
but an internal one. A focus
that is spiritually noble in energy
and inherently pleasant to the
spirit. I personally cannot
think of a better way to meditate.
It puts a whole new meaning into
"think happy thoughts."
However, it is believed by scholars
that this sutra holds a deeper
meaning: The focus of our own being,
the contemplation of our own
existence is pleasant. Our
meditative journey will take us to
the realm where we are all one.
There is no separateness. Everything
pervades into everything else.
Iyengar comments how this particular
sutra reaches out to sadhakas
of various levels. Taken at
face value it focuses the meditation
process for the sadhaka. But
this focus is designed to lead the
sadhakas to the ultimate
pondering of our existence, and this
existence can be a pleasurable one.
An existence where we will reach
samadhi and the realization that
we are all truly one, interwoven
into everything that we know and do
not know.
Paraphrased from:
Light on the Yoga Sutras of
Pantanjali
B.K.S Iyengar
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