Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.40, from the Parisamvad series at The Yoga Institute, Mumbai, is a profound teaching on the power of concentration and mental mastery. In this sutra, Patanjali explains the mind's ability to stabilize on both the minutest and the largest of objects, leading to ultimate control and understanding.
Patanjali Yoga Sutra 1.40:
Paramanu-Paramamahattva-Antah-Asya-Vasikarah
Paramanu: from the minutest
Paramamahattva: largeness, magnitude
Antah: end, extending to
Asya: of this, of his or hers
Vasikarah: mastery, power
When the mind develops the power of stabilizing on the smallest size as well as on the greatest one, then the mind comes under control.
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra:
“We are talking about concentration. When we can concentrate on subtle things, atoms, infra atoms, then we get control. The mind becomes steady, vasanas (latent desires) reduce, and there is complete control on the mind. Then there is understanding. It is not easy to reach this state. Remaining steady and reducing the vasanas is difficult. The mind keeps running, old desires surface. When we reach that state, special powers come to us, and the steady mind can achieve a lot."
Dr. Jayadeva shares a story about a great lawyer in Allahabad High Court. During a case, the lawyer was so engrossed in his arguments that he didn’t realize he was arguing against his client. When his junior pointed out the mistake, the lawyer skillfully turned the situation around, showcasing his mastery of concentration and quick thinking. This demonstrates the power of a steady mind, a concept deeply rooted in the **yoga sutras**.
Yogendraji in America:
When Yogendraji was in America, he had rich students who enjoyed pistol shooting. Despite never having used a gun before, Yogendraji hit his target perfectly on his first try. This astonished his students, who realized that concentration, cultivated through yoga, can lead to exceptional abilities. This anecdote beautifully illustrates the practical applications of the **yoga sutras of Patanjali.
Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra:
“If you systematically train the mind, you can develop tremendous capacity. Human capacity is great. The earlier sutras guide us on how to train the mind and concentrate. Once you become steadier, control on the mind comes. A steady mind can be directed towards various tasks with precision. At The Yoga Institute, we adopt a holistic approach. A mind trained through yoga sutra practices is capable of excelling in multiple areas.”
Exploring the Essence of Yoga Sutras
The Patanjali sutras provide a comprehensive guide to achieving mental mastery. They teach us how to train the mind, develop concentration, and gain control over our thoughts and desires. Understanding what is yoga sutra can unlock the potential for incredible mental and physical abilities.
Yoga sutras emphasize the importance of steadiness and focus. By practicing the principles outlined in the Patanjali yoga sutra, one can achieve a state of mental clarity and control that enhances all aspects of life.
Conclusion
The teachings of the Patanjali yoga sutra 1.40 from The Yoga Institute, Mumbai highlight the transformative power of concentration and mental discipline. By embracing the wisdom of the yoga sutras of Patanjali, we can develop a steady mind, reduce latent desires, and achieve mastery over our thoughts and actions. Understanding what is yoga sutra and incorporating these practices into daily life can lead to profound personal growth and exceptional abilities.