Sutra 1.21
तीव्रसंवेगानामासन्नः॥२१॥
tīvra-saṃvegānām āsannaḥ
Translation:
- For those with intensity and keen intent samprajnata is very close. -CT
- To the keen and intent practitioner this samadhi comes very quickly. – SS
- This stat of samprajnata is near for those who apply themselves intensely. – EBF
Vocabulary:
tīvra—acute, keen intent
āsanna—quickly succeeds, sitting very close, near
Key Concepts:
COMMITMENT!!!
Patanjali explains in this sutra that the speed in which one reaches samadhi depends on the degree of one’s commitment.
There have been three degrees of application implied in this; gentle, moderate, and intense. These three degrees of application are further broken down in the sutras to come.
Success is noticed in some yogins but not others. This is due to the individual, not the study and practice of Yoga itself. These differences are due to the strength or weakness of the practitioners habits.
The goal of Yoga is near for the those intensely committed.
Practicing for superficial reasons is not enough to keep one committed to the practice.
That is why your intention is so important. It is your motivation. If it is something small or selfish it will not be sustainable.
By upgrading our motivation for practice we upgrade our level of commitment.
Practice
The Practice needs to be completed all together! Not broken up.
Prayer:
Practice your prayer ritual.
Sankalpa
What is your intention for practice? Write your Sankalpa on a piece of paper keep it on your alter or your practice space. This is a higher intention one that doesn’t change from day to day.
Asana:
Do 5X Rounds each side.
Mantra
- Using your Mantra.
- Say your mantra to yourself 5 times out loud.
- Say your mantra in a whisper 5 times.
- Say your mantra silently in your mind 5 times.
Pranayama:
Viloma
- Start ujjayi, create a nice long breath, balancing the inhalation and exhalation.
- Inhale into the belly for a count of 2 and pause for 2.
- Inhale into the chest for 2 and pause for 2
- Inhale into the shoulders for 2 and pause for 2.
- Exhale slowly, smoothly and completely, pausing for 2.
- Reapeat for 5 minutes.
Meditation
- Draw your attention into yourself. Removing your awareness of the objects of your senses.
- Focus your minds eye on your object of meditation.
- Practice for 10 minutes.
- When you feel your mind wander be so gentle in bringing it back. *Remember we are like infants in this journey. Treat yourself as you would your own child.
Optional Practice
If you have not noticed already, Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice for keeping a heathy, helpful quality of mind. When you have time in your day, when you feel stressed or anxious, when you feel tired practice Yoga Nidra.
Reflections
- What is my level of commitment to practice?
- What is my intention for practice?
- What would make me more committed to my practice?
What does this remind me of? Other stories, scriptures, or teachings.