Patanjali Yoga Sutra Transcribed from Parisamvad at The Yoga Institute.
Chapter 1, Sutra 26
Purvesam Api Guruh Kalena Anavacchedat
Purvesam : of the first, earlier, ancient
Api : to , also
Guruh : preceptor ,master
Kalenana : by time
Anavacchedat : not limited by (time), continuous
He is the teacher of teachers , because with him there is no limitation by time (to his omnipotence)
Listen to the audio:
“We have a Sutra on Isvara. Yoga is not a necessarily a very theistic science, other systems are. They believe in God and then they discuss philosophy. In yoga, we always started with discussion on Chitta , control on Citta and it was smooth sailing. It could be carried on, but the writer felt the need for introducing this element of God. There are some people who believe in God and some may not believe and can even succeed. Right from the start, the child looks for something greater, bigger – what makes the storm, the sun to move and what not. So we have limitations. We are handicapped. There are things bigger that we don’t understand and yet we have to believe. So Isvara has been accepted as an alternative.
In this system we started with discussion on the Citta and control on the Citta and the highest state was considered. We again revert back to Isvara because some people believe in God and He is eternal. The belief is not just a few days old. It is there from time immemorial, whether it is in this culture, this country – God is there. He enjoys a position of unique nature, nothing higher, self evident and takes care of the entire universe. Things higher, beyond our understanding and we look to God. This has been strongly put into the mind of the human being. It helps in solving catastrophes, fear. It also helps in providing a direction. Believe in God, surrender to God and that itself is a way to train the mind, otherwise the mind remains agitated. One can carry on but the doubts keep coming . Even the greatest atheist, somewhere or other reverts to something higher, greater.”
“If a person is in a learning stage, knowledge is available. We have to be in a learning stage always. We can learn from everyone and everything. Only from knowledge a person can be free from pain and suffering. When a student is ready, the teacher arrives.”
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About Parisamvad
On every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, The Yoga Institute, Santacruz holds Parisamvad sessions – Free interactive sessions that are open to all. These session begin at 7:20 am and end around 7:45 am.
The Friday Parisamvad is dedicated to explanation of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by our esteemed Gurus, Dr. Jayadeva and Smt. Hansaji.
All are welcome to attend.
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