by Mireia Yogimani
As a child, I witnessed my mind moving in high-speed, autopilot mode. I saw the movement, activity and untamed nature of my own mind. Once my body took a seat, my mind kept moving, but I couldn’t even follow my own thoughts.
Taking the seat of the observer helped me see those high-speed thoughts, which did not even feel like my own. I had never before experienced being the witness of my own untamed mind so clearly and detached from my thoughts. Today, learning to not take thoughts so seriously, and having a sense of humor, is part of my yoga practice. I work with my mind, instead of being worn out by it. Plus, the mind is of vital interest for thoughtful people. We are all trying to ease our minds. By becoming the observer; the seer; the witness of our mind, we are developing an intimate relationship with ourselves without being the slave of our own thoughts and emotions. Liberation from our mind’s fluctuations brings union with who we really are.
Raja means Royal in Sanskrit, and Raja yoga is the Royal Union with the Divine. The Yoga Sutras, written by Patanjali, are the foundational texts of Raja yoga. The Sutras are composed of 196 aphorisms (small teachings) divided into four chapters: (1) Contemplation, (2) Practice, (3) Accomplishments, and (4) Absoluteness. The Yoga Sutras constitute a classic piece of the Sanskrit literature, and they seek understanding over the mind through the science of Raja Yoga.
The goal of The Yoga Sutras is to attain Samadhi (Liberation). Below, a few but relevant sutras are linked together:
The first sutra in chapter one (Contemplation), gives us direct instruction on how to practice yoga, and the second sutra summarizes the whole book: “The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is yoga.” From the very beginning, Patanjali prepares the reader about the importance of practice, as well as having direct instruction on how to work with the “stuff” in our mind. For this reason, these sutras are small teachings, so that the reader can digest them step by step.
The second sutra in chapter two (Practice) says we should practice to minimize obstacles and attain a liberated state. Then, the third sutra explains that the obstacles include ignorance, egoism, attachment, hatred, and clinging to body life. Here, simplicity is the antidote. In fact, the process of quieting the mind is deceptive in its simplicity. We are training the mind to do nothing. The practice alone will help us react to obstacles differently. The sutras are not concerned about changing the outside world. When we work with the mind and the various emotional states we have, ultimately, our inner work changes the world around us.
The first sutra of chapter three (Accomplishments) describes the binding of the mind to one place, object, or idea, and the second sutra explains that this continuous flow of cognition toward that object is called Meditation. Patanjali first talks about the step prior to meditation: Concentration. The natural progression of concentrating the mind on the breath, a candle, or a mantra (one-pointed-focus) is Meditation. Meditation means to come back to the object of concentration without judgement. Divinity comes to us according to the intensity in which we are seeking it, and the sutras train the mind to come back home to your true nature to attain Samadhi.
The fourth sutra of chapter four (Absoluteness) explains that the egoity is the cause of created minds, and the fifth sutra continues to explain that although the function of the many created minds differs, the original mind-stuff of a yogi is the director of them all. Here, there is an awareness of individuality which brings the opportunity to transcend ego and personality. When we see and witness these created minds, we can be the director of them all, taking the pilot seat instead of being controlled by them. I-am-ness is the discovery of the self beyond the ego to experience absoluteness, limitedness, and transcend from all created mind-stuff.
The Yoga Sutras illuminate our spiritual path. I don’t know why I have never witnessed my mind moving in such a high-speed autopilot mode as it did when I was a kid, but I can now link the sutras together to learn more about the true nature of my own mind and take the pilot seat. My true self keeps reminding me that all of this mind-stuff is not only about me, but about seeing the big picture of interconnectedness and oneness in all things. The sutras explain that divinity comes to us when we seek without attachment and without judgement, and most importantly, according to the intensity in which we are seeking it. Practice helps us measure the progress and grow a little better each day. However, training the mind to be still is a practice that will require adjustments to overcome obstacles arising from thoughts and our various emotional states.
The spiritual path is a cycle of falling and awakening; of finding the link and relinking again; of linking and threading one sutra with another. Step by step, when the sutras come together,the individual who practices sincerely experiences a metamorphosis; a truthful soulful connection; the discovery of an I-am-ness state to attain absoluteness, limitedness, and transcend from all created mind-stuff, which is also described as Samadhi.
The month of September is sutra Month at Laughing Lotus SF. Our celebrated Yoga Teacher Training begins on September 12, and it is not too late to register! Come liberate your body, mind, and senses. See you on the yoga mat!
Originally from Barcelona, Yogimani is a yoga instructor who serves diverse communities through yoga events in San Francisco and abroad. Since 2011, she has continued studying and sharing the yoga practice with the community in San Francisco and abroad. Encouraging love for all beings, including ourselves, Mireia inspires us to discover our true essence, both, mystically, and authentically.
Mireia teaches All Levels at noon on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and Lotus Flow 1 at 11:45AM on Saturday.
Laughing Lotus Yoga Center San Francisco 