yoga sutras lecture part 1

Question 1

Sutra 1: meaning, purpose of yoga sutra

Answer 1

We know that the vedanta scriptures are correct, now we need to find out how to implement the teachings and practices described in the sacred texts (Svestvara upanishid)

Question 2

Sutra 2: definition of yoga

Answer 2

a practice of calming the riti (revolving) citi (mind)-freezing ones thoughts to the point where they enter a state of nonthinking and unravel their conciousness.

Question 3

Sutra 3: The goal of conciousness

Answer 3

the goal is to be concious of itself

Question 4

sutra 4: what the conciousness normally does

Answer 4

The conciousness normally focuses on the external environment whose objects become images that make up thoughts of the mind. This practice needs to be corrected.

Question 5

sutra 5: what are these virthis (mental activities or thoughts)

Answer 5

1. klisha-dentrimental

2. aklisha-non detrimental

Question 6

Sutra 6: five forms of mind(vrithis):

Answer 6

1. pramana-mundane knowledge
2. vipramana-false knowledge(think it is real, based on illusionary projection but it is not)
3. dikalpa-metaphoric knowledge (it is real despite containing unreal objects. Conventially accepted to be true)
4. niddra-deep sleep-low activity, conviousness is not asleep only covered by tamas.
5. memories-Anything thought that does not slip away day dreams, fantasies and dreams

Question 7

three types of pramanas:

Answer 7

1. sensory perception
2. Inference
3. Words