अथ योगानुशासनम्॥१॥atha yoga-anuśāsanam ॥1॥Now, begins the discipline of yoga
Meaning of the word – (Atha) Now (Yoganushasanam) the introduction of the discipline of yoga.
Meaning of the sutra – Now Maharshi Patanjali's Yoga darshan explaining the discipline of yoga has started.
Explanation: The meaning of the word yoga is very broad, but here it is interpreted from the perspective of Samadhi. To achieve Samadhi, it is crucial to first comprehend what Samadhi entails. Samadhi is the state of mind that exists in all mental states. There are five states of the mind, namely Kshipta, Moodh, Vikshipta, Ekaagra, and Niruddh.
The mind is composed of Sattva, Raja, and Tamas. The different states of the mind arise due to an excess or deficiency of these elements. Let's delve into a detailed understanding of these mental states.
(1) Kshipta – When Rajoguna dominates the mind, with Sattvaguna and Tamoguna in a secondary state, the individual becomes inherently fickle. This fickleness leads to a scattered mind, preventing the person from focusing and determining their goals. This state is known as Kshipta.
(2) Moodha – With an increase in Tamoguna and Sattvaguna and Rajoguna as secondary, vices like laziness, sleepiness, and fainting prevail in the individual. This state, known as Moodham, lacks awareness of right and wrong.
(3) Vikshipt – When Sattva Guna is predominant in the mind, with occasional influence from Rajoguna, the mind experiences temporary concentration. However, this concentration is disrupted by Rajoguna, with Tamoguna in a secondary role. This state is termed as Disturbed.
(4) Ekaagra – When the mind is predominantly influenced by Sattva Guna, with less influence of Rajoguna and Tamoguna, the individual's focus on a subject or object intensifies for an extended period. This heightened concentration fosters discernment and detachment in the Yogi, leading to the attainment of 'Sampragyaat Samadhi' and making them eligible for Asampragyaat Samadhi. This state of mind is known as Ekaagyaat.
(5) Niruddha – This represents the ultimate state of the mind. Upon achieving Samprajnata Samadhi, the Yogi may identify imperfections, prompting the cessation of all mental tendencies by awakening a sense of Paravairaagya. This halted state of the mind is referred to as Asamprajnata Samadhi.
In Asamprajnata Samadhi, the trinity of Dhyata, Dhyya, and Dhyana dissolves, leaving only the pure conscious self. This marks the culmination of the Yogi's journey, culminating in the realization of God through Samadhi.
To reach this ultimate goal, one must adhere to the foundational principle outlined in the first sutra of Yogasutra Atha Yoganushasanam.
Discipline entails executing tasks under their requisite guidelines, as emphasized in this sutra.
Consider the analogy of embarking on a journey from one place to another. To reach your destination, you select a route and determine the mode of transportation. Along the way, you encounter informational signboards indicating distance, direction, obstacles, and other pertinent details. By adhering to traffic regulations and guidelines, you navigate towards your goal with certainty and success.
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