Sutra 1.26-1.51
26. Sutra 1.26: स पूर्वेषामपि गुरुः कालेनानवच्छेदात्Transliteration: Sa purvesham api guruh kalena-anavachchhedat
Meaning: Ishvara, unbound by time, is the teacher of even the ancient sages.
As eternal consciousness, Ishvara has guided all spiritual teachers throughout time.
Real-Life Example: A yogi feels inspired by ancient wisdom in texts like the Upanishads, sensing a timeless divine guidance behind them.
Exercise: Read a short passage from a spiritual text (e.g., Bhagavad Gita or a favorite quote). Reflect for 5 minutes on its timeless wisdom and journal how it resonates with you.
27. Sutra 1.27: तस्य वाचकः प्रणवःTransliteration: Tasya vachakah pranavah
Meaning: The sacred syllable “Om” is the expression of Ishvara.
The sound “Om” represents the divine and serves as a tool to connect with Ishvara’s essence.
Real-Life Example: Chanting “Om” during meditation helps someone feel calm and connected to something greater, anchoring their practice.
Exercise: Chant “Om” aloud or silently for 3 minutes during meditation, focusing on its vibration. Journal how it affects your mind or emotions.
28. Sutra 1.28: तज्जपस्तदर्थभावनम्Transliteration: Taj-japas tad-artha-bhavanam
Meaning: Repetition of Om and contemplation of its meaning lead to realization.
Chanting Om with focus on its spiritual significance deepens one’s connection to the divine.
Real-Life Example: A practitioner chants Om daily, reflecting on universal unity, which brings a sense of peace and purpose over time.
Exercise: Chant Om 10 times, then meditate for 5 minutes on its meaning (e.g., unity, divine presence). Write about any shifts in awareness or feelings of connection.
29. Sutra 1.29: ततः प्रत्यक्चेतनाधिगमोऽप्यन्तरायाभावश्चTransliteration: Tatah pratyak-chetana-adhigamo api antaraya-abhavash cha
Meaning: From this practice, one gains inward consciousness and the obstacles to samadhi are removed.
Devotion to Ishvara through Om removes mental barriers and fosters self-awareness.
Real-Life Example: After chanting Om regularly, someone notices fewer distractions in meditation and a stronger sense of inner focus.
Exercise: After chanting Om (as in Sutra 1.28), sit in silence for 5 minutes, observing your inner state. Note any reduction in mental chatter or obstacles in your journal.
30. Sutra 1.30: व्याधिस्त्यानसंशयप्रमादालस्याविरतिभ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्धभूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानि चित्तविक्षेपास्तेऽन्तरायाःTransliteration: Vyadhi-styana-samshaya-pramada-alasya-avirati-bhranti-darshana-alabdha-bhumikatva-anavasthitatvani chitta-vikshepas te antarayah
Meaning: The obstacles to yoga are disease, mental inertia, doubt, carelessness, laziness, overindulgence, false perception, failure to progress, and instability.
These nine distractions disrupt mental focus and hinder progress toward samadhi.
Real-Life Example: Someone skips meditation due to feeling unwell (disease), procrastination (laziness), or doubting its benefits (doubt), stalling their spiritual growth.
Exercise: Identify one obstacle you face (e.g., doubt or laziness). Write a plan to address it (e.g., “I’ll meditate for 2 minutes even if I doubt its value”). Apply it for one day and reflect on the outcome.
31. Sutra 1.31: दुःखदौर्मनस्याङ्गमेजयत्वश्वासप्रश्वासा विक्षेपसहभुवःTransliteration: Duhkha-daurmanasya-angamejayatva-shvasa-prashvasa vikshepa-sahabhuvah
Meaning: The symptoms accompanying mental distractions are pain, despair, trembling of the body, and irregular breathing.
These physical and emotional signs indicate a disturbed mind and reinforce the obstacles to yoga.
Real-Life Example: During a stressful workday, someone feels anxious (despair), has a racing heart (trembling), and breathes shallowly, signaling mental unrest.
Exercise: When you feel stressed, pause and observe your body and breath for 2 minutes. Note signs like tension or irregular breathing. Practice slow, deep breaths for 3 minutes and journal how your state changes.
32. Sutra 1.32: तत्प्रतिषेधार्थमेकतत्त्वाभ्यासःTransliteration: Tat-pratishedhartham eka-tattva-abhyasah
Meaning: To counteract distractions, practice focusing on a single principle or object.
Single-pointed concentration on one truth or object stabilizes the mind and reduces mental disturbances.
Real-Life Example: A meditator focuses solely on their breath during a chaotic day, finding calm by anchoring their attention to one point.
Exercise: Choose one focus (e.g., breath, a candle flame, or a word like “peace”). Meditate on it for 5 minutes, gently returning when your mind wanders. Reflect on how this reduces distractions.
33. Sutra 1.33: मैत्रीकरुणामुदितोपेक्षाणां सुखदुःखपुण्यापुण्यविषयाणां भावनातश्चित्तप्रसादनम्Transliteration: Maitri-karuna-mudita-upekshanam sukha-duhkha-punya-apunya-vishayanam bhavanatah chitta-prasadanam
Meaning: The mind becomes serene by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the suffering, joy for the virtuous, and equanimity toward the unvirtuous.
These four attitudes purify the mind and foster mental clarity.
Real-Life Example: Instead of envying a friend’s success, someone feels genuine happiness for them (friendliness), calming their own mind and strengthening their bond.
Exercise: Reflect on one person for each attitude (e.g., a happy friend, someone struggling, a virtuous role model, someone challenging). Spend 1 minute cultivating the corresponding attitude toward each. Journal how this affects your mood.
34. Sutra 1.34: प्रच्छर्दनविधारणाभ्यां वा प्राणस्यTransliteration: Pracchardana-vidharanabhyam va pranasya
Meaning: Or, the mind can be stabilized by regulating the breath through exhalation and retention.
Pranayama (breath control) is a practical tool to calm mental fluctuations.
Real-Life Example: Before a presentation, someone takes slow, deep breaths, exhaling fully, to reduce nervousness and focus their mind.
Exercise: Practice a simple pranayama: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat for 5 minutes. Note how your mind and body feel afterward in your journal.
35. Sutra 1.35: विषयवती वा प्रवृत्तिरुत्पन्ना मनसः स्थिति निबन्धिनीTransliteration: Vishayavati va pravrittir utpanna manasah sthiti nibandhini
Meaning: Or, focusing on a subtle sensory experience stabilizes the mind.
Concentration on subtle objects (e.g., inner light or sound) anchors the mind and promotes steadiness.
Real-Life Example: A meditator focuses on the sensation of breath at the nostrils, finding their mind becomes calm and less distracted.
Exercise: Sit quietly and focus on a subtle sensation (e.g., the touch of breath or a faint inner sound) for 5 minutes. When your mind wanders, gently return. Journal any changes in mental clarity.
36. Sutra 1.36: विशोका वा ज्योतिष्मतीTransliteration: Vishoka va jyotishmati
Meaning: Or, meditating on a sorrow-free, luminous state stabilizes the mind.
Contemplating a radiant, peaceful inner light or state free from suffering calms mental fluctuations.
Real-Life Example: Visualizing a glowing light in the heart during meditation helps someone release stress and feel uplifted.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, visualizing a radiant light in your heart or mind. Imagine it dissolving any tension. Write about how this visualization impacts your emotional state.
37. Sutra 1.37: वीतरागविषयं वा चित्तम्Transliteration: Vita-raga-vishayam va chittam
Meaning: Or, meditating on a mind free from attachment stabilizes one’s own mind.
Focusing on the qualities of an enlightened or detached being inspires mental clarity and freedom.
Real-Life Example: Reflecting on the calm demeanor of a spiritual teacher helps someone emulate that peace, reducing their own reactivity.
Exercise: Think of someone you admire for their detachment or wisdom (e.g., a teacher or historical figure). Meditate for 5 minutes on their qualities. Journal how this influences your state of mind.
38. Sutra 1.38: स्वप्ननिद्राज्ञानालम्बनं वाTransliteration: Svapna-nidra-jnana-alambanam va
Meaning: Or, meditating on the knowledge gained from dreams or sleep stabilizes the mind.
Reflecting on insights from dreams or the restful state of deep sleep can anchor the mind.
Real-Life Example: Someone recalls a vivid dream that offered clarity about a problem, using it as a meditation focus to deepen their understanding.
Exercise: Before bed, set an intention to recall a dream. Upon waking, write down any dream insights or reflect on the peace of deep sleep. Meditate on this for 5 minutes and journal your experience.
39. Sutra 1.39: यथाभिमतध्यानाद्वाTransliteration: Yatha-abhimata-dhyanad va
Meaning: Or, meditating on any object of personal preference stabilizes the mind.
Choosing a meditation focus that resonates personally (e.g., a deity, nature, or idea) helps calm the mind.
Real-Life Example: A nature lover meditates on the image of a serene forest, finding it easier to focus and relax than on an abstract concept.
Exercise: Choose a personal meditation object (e.g., a favorite place, symbol, or idea). Meditate on it for 5 minutes, letting it anchor your attention. Reflect on how it feels in your journal.
40. Sutra 1.40: परमाणुपरममहत्त्वान्तोऽस्य वशीकारःTransliteration: Paramanu-parama-mahattvanto asya vashikarah
Meaning: Mastery of the mind extends from the smallest atom to the vastest infinity.
Through sustained practice, the yogi gains control over all levels of existence, from the subtlest to the grandest.
Real-Life Example: A meditator who masters focus on their breath begins to feel connected to both tiny details (like sensations) and universal concepts (like oneness), showing mental mastery.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, alternating focus between a tiny detail (e.g., a fingertip sensation) and a vast concept (e.g., the universe). Journal how this expands your awareness.
41. Sutra 1.41: क्षीणवृत्तेरभिजातस्येव मणेर्ग्रहीतृग्रहणग्राह्येषु तत्स्थतदञ्जनता समापत्तिः
Transliteration: Kshina-vritter abhijatasyeva maner grahitri-grahana-grahyeshu tat-stha-tad-anjanata samapattih
Meaning: When mental fluctuations subside, the mind, like a flawless crystal, takes on the nature of the object, knower, or act of knowing, achieving a state of absorption (samapatti).
Real-Life Example: A musician becomes so immersed in playing that they lose awareness of themselves, blending completely with the music.
Exercise: Choose an object (e.g., a flower or candle). Gaze at it for 5 minutes, letting your mind merge with its form without distraction. Journal how this deep focus feels.
42. Sutra 1.42: तत्र शब्दार्थज्ञानविकल्पैः संकीर्णा सवितर्का समापत्तिः
Transliteration: Tatra shabda-artha-jnana-vikalpaih sankirna savitarka samapattih
Meaning: Savitarka samapatti is absorption mixed with thoughts of name, meaning, and knowledge of the object.
Real-Life Example: While meditating on a rose, someone focuses on its beauty but also thinks of its name (“rose”) and qualities (e.g., “red, fragrant”).
Exercise: Meditate on an object (e.g., a stone) for 5 minutes. Notice thoughts about its name or qualities. Gently reduce these associations, focusing only on the object. Reflect on the experience.
43. Sutra 1.43: स्मृतिपरिशुद्धौ स्वरूपशून्येवार्थमात्रनिर्भासा निर्वितर्का
Transliteration: Smriti-parishuddhau svarupa-shunya-iva-artha-matra-nirbhasa nirvitarka
Meaning: Nirvitarka samapatti is absorption free from thoughts, where memory is purified, and only the object’s essence shines, devoid of the mind’s form.
Real-Life Example: A painter observes a sunset so deeply that they see only its colors and light, without labeling or analyzing.
Exercise: Repeat the meditation from Sutra 1.42, but aim to let go of all thoughts about the object’s name or qualities. Focus solely on its raw presence for 5 minutes. Journal any shifts in perception.
44. Sutra 1.44: एतयैव सविचारा निर्विचारा च सूक्ष्मविषया व्याख्याता
Transliteration: Etayaiva savichara nirvichara cha sukshma-vishaya vyakhyata
Meaning: Similarly, savichara and nirvichara samapatti are explained, but they pertain to subtle objects.
Real-Life Example: A meditator focuses on the concept of love (subtle object), initially with thoughts about it (savichara), then purely as a felt essence without analysis (nirvichara).
Exercise: Meditate on a subtle concept (e.g., peace or energy) for 5 minutes. First, allow related thoughts; then, try to experience it without mental labels. Write about the difference.
45. Sutra 1.45: सूक्ष्मविषयत्वं चालिङ्गपर्यवसानम्
Transliteration: Sukshma-vishayatvam cha alinga-paryavasanam
Meaning: The range of subtle objects extends to the unmanifest (alinga), the primal nature.
Real-Life Example: A yogi meditates on the flow of breath, then its energy, and finally a formless essence, approaching the unmanifest source of existence.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, starting with a physical sensation (e.g., breath), then its subtle energy, and finally a sense of formless awareness. Journal your progression.
46. Sutra 1.46: ता एव सबीजः समाधिः
Transliteration: Ta eva sabijah samadhih
Meaning: These absorptions, with an object of focus, are samadhi with seed (sabija samadhi).
Real-Life Example: A meditator achieves deep focus on a mantra, entering samadhi, but the mantra remains a “seed” anchoring their awareness.
Exercise: Meditate on a mantra or object for 5 minutes, noting how it anchors your focus. Reflect on how this “seed” supports your concentration in your journal.
47. Sutra 1.47: निर्विचारवैशारद्येऽध्यात्मप्रसादः
Transliteration: Nirvichara-vaisharadye adhyatma-prasadah
Meaning: Mastery of nirvichara samapatti brings spiritual clarity and inner serenity.
Real-Life Example: After consistent meditation, someone experiences a deep calm and intuitive understanding of their purpose.
Exercise: Practice 5 minutes of nirvichara meditation (from Sutra 1.44). Afterward, sit in silence and note any feelings of peace or insight. Write about them.
48. Sutra 1.48: ऋतम्भरा तत्र प्रज्ञा
Transliteration: Ritambhara tatra prajna
Meaning: In that state, wisdom is filled with truth (ritambhara prajna).
Real-Life Example: During deep meditation, a person receives a clear, intuitive solution to a long-standing problem, feeling it as absolute truth.
Exercise: After a 5-minute meditation, ask a meaningful question (e.g., “What is my next step?”). Sit quietly and note any intuitive insights. Journal their clarity and impact.
49. Sutra 1.49: श्रुतानुमानप्रज्ञाभ्यामन्यविषया विशेषार्थत्वात्
Transliteration: Shruta-anumana-prajnabhyam anya-vishaya vishesha-arthatvat
Meaning: This wisdom has a different object than knowledge from scriptures or inference, as it perceives the particular essence of things.
Real-Life Example: Reading about mindfulness differs from directly experiencing pure awareness, which reveals deeper truth.
Exercise: Compare intellectual knowledge (e.g., a concept you’ve read) with direct experience. Meditate for 5 minutes on a concept, seeking its essence. Reflect on the distinction.
50. Sutra 1.50: तज्जः संस्कारोऽन्यसंस्कारप्रतिबन्धी
Transliteration: Taj-jah samskara anya-samskara-pratibandhi
Meaning: The impression born from this samadhi suppresses other mental impressions.
Real-Life Example: Regular deep meditation reduces someone’s habitual worrying thoughts, as the calm from samadhi creates new patterns.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, aiming for stillness. Afterward, note if habitual thoughts (e.g., worry) feel weaker. Journal how this shifts your mental patterns.
51. Sutra 1.51: तस्यापि निरोधे सर्वंनिरोधान्निर्बीजः समाधिः
Transliteration: Tasya api nirodhe sarva-nirodhat nirbijah samadhih
Meaning: When even those impressions cease, with all mental activity suppressed, seedless samadhi (nirbija samadhi) arises.
Real-Life Example: A yogi transcends all thoughts, even the meditation focus, experiencing pure awareness, akin to nirbija samadhi.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, letting go of all objects or thoughts, aiming for pure awareness. Journal any moments of stillness or transcendence.
Meaning: Ishvara, unbound by time, is the teacher of even the ancient sages.
As eternal consciousness, Ishvara has guided all spiritual teachers throughout time.
Real-Life Example: A yogi feels inspired by ancient wisdom in texts like the Upanishads, sensing a timeless divine guidance behind them.
Exercise: Read a short passage from a spiritual text (e.g., Bhagavad Gita or a favorite quote). Reflect for 5 minutes on its timeless wisdom and journal how it resonates with you.
27. Sutra 1.27: तस्य वाचकः प्रणवःTransliteration: Tasya vachakah pranavah
Meaning: The sacred syllable “Om” is the expression of Ishvara.
The sound “Om” represents the divine and serves as a tool to connect with Ishvara’s essence.
Real-Life Example: Chanting “Om” during meditation helps someone feel calm and connected to something greater, anchoring their practice.
Exercise: Chant “Om” aloud or silently for 3 minutes during meditation, focusing on its vibration. Journal how it affects your mind or emotions.
28. Sutra 1.28: तज्जपस्तदर्थभावनम्Transliteration: Taj-japas tad-artha-bhavanam
Meaning: Repetition of Om and contemplation of its meaning lead to realization.
Chanting Om with focus on its spiritual significance deepens one’s connection to the divine.
Real-Life Example: A practitioner chants Om daily, reflecting on universal unity, which brings a sense of peace and purpose over time.
Exercise: Chant Om 10 times, then meditate for 5 minutes on its meaning (e.g., unity, divine presence). Write about any shifts in awareness or feelings of connection.
29. Sutra 1.29: ततः प्रत्यक्चेतनाधिगमोऽप्यन्तरायाभावश्चTransliteration: Tatah pratyak-chetana-adhigamo api antaraya-abhavash cha
Meaning: From this practice, one gains inward consciousness and the obstacles to samadhi are removed.
Devotion to Ishvara through Om removes mental barriers and fosters self-awareness.
Real-Life Example: After chanting Om regularly, someone notices fewer distractions in meditation and a stronger sense of inner focus.
Exercise: After chanting Om (as in Sutra 1.28), sit in silence for 5 minutes, observing your inner state. Note any reduction in mental chatter or obstacles in your journal.
30. Sutra 1.30: व्याधिस्त्यानसंशयप्रमादालस्याविरतिभ्रान्तिदर्शनालब्धभूमिकत्वानवस्थितत्वानि चित्तविक्षेपास्तेऽन्तरायाःTransliteration: Vyadhi-styana-samshaya-pramada-alasya-avirati-bhranti-darshana-alabdha-bhumikatva-anavasthitatvani chitta-vikshepas te antarayah
Meaning: The obstacles to yoga are disease, mental inertia, doubt, carelessness, laziness, overindulgence, false perception, failure to progress, and instability.
These nine distractions disrupt mental focus and hinder progress toward samadhi.
Real-Life Example: Someone skips meditation due to feeling unwell (disease), procrastination (laziness), or doubting its benefits (doubt), stalling their spiritual growth.
Exercise: Identify one obstacle you face (e.g., doubt or laziness). Write a plan to address it (e.g., “I’ll meditate for 2 minutes even if I doubt its value”). Apply it for one day and reflect on the outcome.
31. Sutra 1.31: दुःखदौर्मनस्याङ्गमेजयत्वश्वासप्रश्वासा विक्षेपसहभुवःTransliteration: Duhkha-daurmanasya-angamejayatva-shvasa-prashvasa vikshepa-sahabhuvah
Meaning: The symptoms accompanying mental distractions are pain, despair, trembling of the body, and irregular breathing.
These physical and emotional signs indicate a disturbed mind and reinforce the obstacles to yoga.
Real-Life Example: During a stressful workday, someone feels anxious (despair), has a racing heart (trembling), and breathes shallowly, signaling mental unrest.
Exercise: When you feel stressed, pause and observe your body and breath for 2 minutes. Note signs like tension or irregular breathing. Practice slow, deep breaths for 3 minutes and journal how your state changes.
32. Sutra 1.32: तत्प्रतिषेधार्थमेकतत्त्वाभ्यासःTransliteration: Tat-pratishedhartham eka-tattva-abhyasah
Meaning: To counteract distractions, practice focusing on a single principle or object.
Single-pointed concentration on one truth or object stabilizes the mind and reduces mental disturbances.
Real-Life Example: A meditator focuses solely on their breath during a chaotic day, finding calm by anchoring their attention to one point.
Exercise: Choose one focus (e.g., breath, a candle flame, or a word like “peace”). Meditate on it for 5 minutes, gently returning when your mind wanders. Reflect on how this reduces distractions.
33. Sutra 1.33: मैत्रीकरुणामुदितोपेक्षाणां सुखदुःखपुण्यापुण्यविषयाणां भावनातश्चित्तप्रसादनम्Transliteration: Maitri-karuna-mudita-upekshanam sukha-duhkha-punya-apunya-vishayanam bhavanatah chitta-prasadanam
Meaning: The mind becomes serene by cultivating friendliness toward the happy, compassion for the suffering, joy for the virtuous, and equanimity toward the unvirtuous.
These four attitudes purify the mind and foster mental clarity.
Real-Life Example: Instead of envying a friend’s success, someone feels genuine happiness for them (friendliness), calming their own mind and strengthening their bond.
Exercise: Reflect on one person for each attitude (e.g., a happy friend, someone struggling, a virtuous role model, someone challenging). Spend 1 minute cultivating the corresponding attitude toward each. Journal how this affects your mood.
34. Sutra 1.34: प्रच्छर्दनविधारणाभ्यां वा प्राणस्यTransliteration: Pracchardana-vidharanabhyam va pranasya
Meaning: Or, the mind can be stabilized by regulating the breath through exhalation and retention.
Pranayama (breath control) is a practical tool to calm mental fluctuations.
Real-Life Example: Before a presentation, someone takes slow, deep breaths, exhaling fully, to reduce nervousness and focus their mind.
Exercise: Practice a simple pranayama: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat for 5 minutes. Note how your mind and body feel afterward in your journal.
35. Sutra 1.35: विषयवती वा प्रवृत्तिरुत्पन्ना मनसः स्थिति निबन्धिनीTransliteration: Vishayavati va pravrittir utpanna manasah sthiti nibandhini
Meaning: Or, focusing on a subtle sensory experience stabilizes the mind.
Concentration on subtle objects (e.g., inner light or sound) anchors the mind and promotes steadiness.
Real-Life Example: A meditator focuses on the sensation of breath at the nostrils, finding their mind becomes calm and less distracted.
Exercise: Sit quietly and focus on a subtle sensation (e.g., the touch of breath or a faint inner sound) for 5 minutes. When your mind wanders, gently return. Journal any changes in mental clarity.
36. Sutra 1.36: विशोका वा ज्योतिष्मतीTransliteration: Vishoka va jyotishmati
Meaning: Or, meditating on a sorrow-free, luminous state stabilizes the mind.
Contemplating a radiant, peaceful inner light or state free from suffering calms mental fluctuations.
Real-Life Example: Visualizing a glowing light in the heart during meditation helps someone release stress and feel uplifted.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, visualizing a radiant light in your heart or mind. Imagine it dissolving any tension. Write about how this visualization impacts your emotional state.
37. Sutra 1.37: वीतरागविषयं वा चित्तम्Transliteration: Vita-raga-vishayam va chittam
Meaning: Or, meditating on a mind free from attachment stabilizes one’s own mind.
Focusing on the qualities of an enlightened or detached being inspires mental clarity and freedom.
Real-Life Example: Reflecting on the calm demeanor of a spiritual teacher helps someone emulate that peace, reducing their own reactivity.
Exercise: Think of someone you admire for their detachment or wisdom (e.g., a teacher or historical figure). Meditate for 5 minutes on their qualities. Journal how this influences your state of mind.
38. Sutra 1.38: स्वप्ननिद्राज्ञानालम्बनं वाTransliteration: Svapna-nidra-jnana-alambanam va
Meaning: Or, meditating on the knowledge gained from dreams or sleep stabilizes the mind.
Reflecting on insights from dreams or the restful state of deep sleep can anchor the mind.
Real-Life Example: Someone recalls a vivid dream that offered clarity about a problem, using it as a meditation focus to deepen their understanding.
Exercise: Before bed, set an intention to recall a dream. Upon waking, write down any dream insights or reflect on the peace of deep sleep. Meditate on this for 5 minutes and journal your experience.
39. Sutra 1.39: यथाभिमतध्यानाद्वाTransliteration: Yatha-abhimata-dhyanad va
Meaning: Or, meditating on any object of personal preference stabilizes the mind.
Choosing a meditation focus that resonates personally (e.g., a deity, nature, or idea) helps calm the mind.
Real-Life Example: A nature lover meditates on the image of a serene forest, finding it easier to focus and relax than on an abstract concept.
Exercise: Choose a personal meditation object (e.g., a favorite place, symbol, or idea). Meditate on it for 5 minutes, letting it anchor your attention. Reflect on how it feels in your journal.
40. Sutra 1.40: परमाणुपरममहत्त्वान्तोऽस्य वशीकारःTransliteration: Paramanu-parama-mahattvanto asya vashikarah
Meaning: Mastery of the mind extends from the smallest atom to the vastest infinity.
Through sustained practice, the yogi gains control over all levels of existence, from the subtlest to the grandest.
Real-Life Example: A meditator who masters focus on their breath begins to feel connected to both tiny details (like sensations) and universal concepts (like oneness), showing mental mastery.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, alternating focus between a tiny detail (e.g., a fingertip sensation) and a vast concept (e.g., the universe). Journal how this expands your awareness.
41. Sutra 1.41: क्षीणवृत्तेरभिजातस्येव मणेर्ग्रहीतृग्रहणग्राह्येषु तत्स्थतदञ्जनता समापत्तिः
Transliteration: Kshina-vritter abhijatasyeva maner grahitri-grahana-grahyeshu tat-stha-tad-anjanata samapattih
Meaning: When mental fluctuations subside, the mind, like a flawless crystal, takes on the nature of the object, knower, or act of knowing, achieving a state of absorption (samapatti).
Real-Life Example: A musician becomes so immersed in playing that they lose awareness of themselves, blending completely with the music.
Exercise: Choose an object (e.g., a flower or candle). Gaze at it for 5 minutes, letting your mind merge with its form without distraction. Journal how this deep focus feels.
42. Sutra 1.42: तत्र शब्दार्थज्ञानविकल्पैः संकीर्णा सवितर्का समापत्तिः
Transliteration: Tatra shabda-artha-jnana-vikalpaih sankirna savitarka samapattih
Meaning: Savitarka samapatti is absorption mixed with thoughts of name, meaning, and knowledge of the object.
Real-Life Example: While meditating on a rose, someone focuses on its beauty but also thinks of its name (“rose”) and qualities (e.g., “red, fragrant”).
Exercise: Meditate on an object (e.g., a stone) for 5 minutes. Notice thoughts about its name or qualities. Gently reduce these associations, focusing only on the object. Reflect on the experience.
43. Sutra 1.43: स्मृतिपरिशुद्धौ स्वरूपशून्येवार्थमात्रनिर्भासा निर्वितर्का
Transliteration: Smriti-parishuddhau svarupa-shunya-iva-artha-matra-nirbhasa nirvitarka
Meaning: Nirvitarka samapatti is absorption free from thoughts, where memory is purified, and only the object’s essence shines, devoid of the mind’s form.
Real-Life Example: A painter observes a sunset so deeply that they see only its colors and light, without labeling or analyzing.
Exercise: Repeat the meditation from Sutra 1.42, but aim to let go of all thoughts about the object’s name or qualities. Focus solely on its raw presence for 5 minutes. Journal any shifts in perception.
44. Sutra 1.44: एतयैव सविचारा निर्विचारा च सूक्ष्मविषया व्याख्याता
Transliteration: Etayaiva savichara nirvichara cha sukshma-vishaya vyakhyata
Meaning: Similarly, savichara and nirvichara samapatti are explained, but they pertain to subtle objects.
Real-Life Example: A meditator focuses on the concept of love (subtle object), initially with thoughts about it (savichara), then purely as a felt essence without analysis (nirvichara).
Exercise: Meditate on a subtle concept (e.g., peace or energy) for 5 minutes. First, allow related thoughts; then, try to experience it without mental labels. Write about the difference.
45. Sutra 1.45: सूक्ष्मविषयत्वं चालिङ्गपर्यवसानम्
Transliteration: Sukshma-vishayatvam cha alinga-paryavasanam
Meaning: The range of subtle objects extends to the unmanifest (alinga), the primal nature.
Real-Life Example: A yogi meditates on the flow of breath, then its energy, and finally a formless essence, approaching the unmanifest source of existence.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, starting with a physical sensation (e.g., breath), then its subtle energy, and finally a sense of formless awareness. Journal your progression.
46. Sutra 1.46: ता एव सबीजः समाधिः
Transliteration: Ta eva sabijah samadhih
Meaning: These absorptions, with an object of focus, are samadhi with seed (sabija samadhi).
Real-Life Example: A meditator achieves deep focus on a mantra, entering samadhi, but the mantra remains a “seed” anchoring their awareness.
Exercise: Meditate on a mantra or object for 5 minutes, noting how it anchors your focus. Reflect on how this “seed” supports your concentration in your journal.
47. Sutra 1.47: निर्विचारवैशारद्येऽध्यात्मप्रसादः
Transliteration: Nirvichara-vaisharadye adhyatma-prasadah
Meaning: Mastery of nirvichara samapatti brings spiritual clarity and inner serenity.
Real-Life Example: After consistent meditation, someone experiences a deep calm and intuitive understanding of their purpose.
Exercise: Practice 5 minutes of nirvichara meditation (from Sutra 1.44). Afterward, sit in silence and note any feelings of peace or insight. Write about them.
48. Sutra 1.48: ऋतम्भरा तत्र प्रज्ञा
Transliteration: Ritambhara tatra prajna
Meaning: In that state, wisdom is filled with truth (ritambhara prajna).
Real-Life Example: During deep meditation, a person receives a clear, intuitive solution to a long-standing problem, feeling it as absolute truth.
Exercise: After a 5-minute meditation, ask a meaningful question (e.g., “What is my next step?”). Sit quietly and note any intuitive insights. Journal their clarity and impact.
49. Sutra 1.49: श्रुतानुमानप्रज्ञाभ्यामन्यविषया विशेषार्थत्वात्
Transliteration: Shruta-anumana-prajnabhyam anya-vishaya vishesha-arthatvat
Meaning: This wisdom has a different object than knowledge from scriptures or inference, as it perceives the particular essence of things.
Real-Life Example: Reading about mindfulness differs from directly experiencing pure awareness, which reveals deeper truth.
Exercise: Compare intellectual knowledge (e.g., a concept you’ve read) with direct experience. Meditate for 5 minutes on a concept, seeking its essence. Reflect on the distinction.
50. Sutra 1.50: तज्जः संस्कारोऽन्यसंस्कारप्रतिबन्धी
Transliteration: Taj-jah samskara anya-samskara-pratibandhi
Meaning: The impression born from this samadhi suppresses other mental impressions.
Real-Life Example: Regular deep meditation reduces someone’s habitual worrying thoughts, as the calm from samadhi creates new patterns.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, aiming for stillness. Afterward, note if habitual thoughts (e.g., worry) feel weaker. Journal how this shifts your mental patterns.
51. Sutra 1.51: तस्यापि निरोधे सर्वंनिरोधान्निर्बीजः समाधिः
Transliteration: Tasya api nirodhe sarva-nirodhat nirbijah samadhih
Meaning: When even those impressions cease, with all mental activity suppressed, seedless samadhi (nirbija samadhi) arises.
Real-Life Example: A yogi transcends all thoughts, even the meditation focus, experiencing pure awareness, akin to nirbija samadhi.
Exercise: Meditate for 5 minutes, letting go of all objects or thoughts, aiming for pure awareness. Journal any moments of stillness or transcendence.
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