In this week's Patanjali Yoga Sutras class, we have started our discussion on Vibhuti Pada
- The 3rd chapter of Patanjali Yoga Sutras
देशबन्धश्चित्तस्य धारणा || 3.1 ||
deśabandhaścittasya dhāraṇā || 3.1 ||
Definition of Dhāraṇā
Concentration is keeping the mind bound in one place.
Renounce the worldly attractions
Concentration is an inevitable component of any activity in the world. A student has to concentrate in the classroom and a worker has to concentrate on his work. Concentration is necessary for a musician, a cricketer, a lawyer, a doctor, and for all the people engaged in any field.
Concentration is nothing but focusing the mind on one particular object or work. It is more easily said than done since the mind is fickle by nature.
Constant practice and a firm resolve are necessary to make the mind focus on a particular thing.
If we have to focus on a particular thing then we have to forego interest in many other things. We have to renounce our desire for many things.
- Eg:- Many actresses say that they have sacrificed their love for chocolates in order to remain slim. If they put on weight, they will lose their chances.
- Cricketers have to sacrifice their family life during their playing days since they would be constantly on tour.
- A busy doctor may not have time of his own since he may get calls from patients at any time. So, a certain amount of sacrifice or renunciation is necessary to succeed in a particular field.
- The same is applicable in the spiritual field also. If Ultimate Liberation is the goal, one has to renounce the worldly attractions.
Bhagavad Gita on Renunciation
Constant practice and the spirit of renunciation are emphasised in the Bhagavad Gītā also (6.35).3.1
Arjun's target
Once the teacher of Pandavas and Kauravas - kept a target hidden in a tree and asked his students what they saw in the tree. Some said leaves; some said flowers; some said fruits. Arjuna said he saw only the target and shot it down in a moment.
How do scientists see something which we fail to see? How do poets observe something that we do not see? It is the power of concentration that contributes to their success.
Exams are easy if you maintain concentration
Lawrence Osborne says, “Exams are not very hard. People find them hard because they don't work - it's just a matter of labour. Once you actually start doing it, it's like cracking eggs. You don't need to be smart. As everything is in life, it's about concentration.”
Willie Sutton observes, “Success in any endeavour requires single-minded attention to detail and total concentration.”
Different ways to practise Dharana
- Concentration on the flame of a candle
- Concentration on the breath - Pranayama - which could be as follows:
8 sec inhalation
12 sec retention
8 sec exhalation
Since Mind and breathing are interconnected, Pranayama helps in controlling the mind - Repeated chanting of Om
How to achieve deep concentration?
We can achieve great concentration by recognizing that everything you do is important to God, and is one vital piece of the larger picture of your life
How does concentration help in attaining Yog?
If we know the divine art of concentration, meditation and contemplation, easily and consciously we can unite the inner world and the outer world
Let's deep dive into Vibhuti Pada in the upcoming class. Radhey Radhey!
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Patanjali Yog Sutra [English]- 7.11.2024
