Patanjali Yoga Sutra: Tasya Bhumishu Viniyogah
This sutra delves into the depths of Sutra 6, which introduces the concept of Pratyahara, the withdrawal of the senses. Pratyahara serves as a crucial step in the path of yoga, allowing us to turn inward, transcend external distractions, and cultivate a deeper connection with our true selves.
This sutra is short but powerful, acting as a bridge between the external aspects of yoga (Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama) and the internal dimensions of meditation (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi). It signifies the importance of Pratyahara, the practice of withdrawing the senses from external stimuli and redirecting our focus inward.
Understanding Pratyahara:
Pratyahara is derived from the Sanskrit words “prati,” meaning “against” or “away,” and “ahara,” meaning “food” or “nourishment.” In the context of yoga, it refers to the conscious withdrawal of the senses from the external world and the subsequent redirection of attention to the inner realm. It is the art of detaching from sensory distractions and turning inward to explore the subtler layers of our being.
Practical Application of Pratyahara:
- Sensory Awareness: Begin by cultivating mindful awareness of your senses. Observe how external stimuli, such as sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touch, impact your state of mind and draw your attention outward. By developing heightened sensory awareness, you can consciously choose which stimuli to engage with and which to let pass without getting entangled in their influence.
- Breath as an Anchor: Utilize the breath as an anchor to redirect your focus inward. By centering your attention on the gentle rhythm of your breath, you create a bridge between the external and internal realms. The breath becomes a powerful tool to quieten the mind and cultivate a sense of inner stillness.
- Meditation and Mindfulness: Engage in regular meditation and mindfulness practices to deepen your ability to withdraw the senses. By observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment or attachment, you cultivate a spacious awareness that allows for greater insight and self-discovery.
- Creating a Sacred Space: Designate a dedicated space for your practice, free from external distractions. This can be a quiet corner in your home or a serene outdoor environment. By creating a sacred space, you set the stage for deeper introspection and facilitate the process of Pratyahara.
The Transformative Power of Pratyahara:
Pratyahara holds immense significance in the yogic journey. Through the practice of withdrawing the senses, we develop a heightened sense of self-awareness, inner strength, and mental clarity. We detach from the constant fluctuations of the external world and discover a deeper connection with our true nature. Pratyahara creates the foundation for deepening meditation, expanding consciousness, and experiencing the higher states of yoga, such as Dharana (concentration), Dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (union with the divine).
Benefits:
Inner Stillness and Calm: Pratyahara allows us to cultivate a sense of inner stillness, free from the distractions of the external world. This cultivates a deep sense of calm and tranquility, providing respite from the busyness and chaos of daily life. We tap into a wellspring of peace that exists within us, regardless of the circumstances around us.
Heightened Self-Awareness: Through the practice of Pratyahara, we develop a profound awareness of our internal landscape. We become attuned to our thoughts, emotions, and sensations, allowing us to navigate our inner world with clarity and understanding. This self-awareness empowers us to make conscious choices and respond skillfully to life’s challenges.
Freedom from External Influences: Pratyahara liberates us from the grip of external stimuli. We break free from the conditioned patterns of seeking pleasure or avoiding discomfort that often dictate our actions. By withdrawing our senses, we reclaim our autonomy and no longer feel compelled to react blindly to the external world.
Cultivation of Inner Strength: Pratyahara strengthens our inner resilience and fortitude. As we learn to detach from external distractions, we develop a sense of inner stability and a deeper connection with our true essence. This inner strength allows us to navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and equanimity.
Deepening of Meditation: Pratyahara serves as a gateway to deeper states of meditation. By withdrawing our senses, we create a fertile ground for concentration, mindfulness, and the expansion of consciousness. We can explore the depths of our inner being, unravel the mysteries of the mind, and connect with the boundless wisdom that resides within us.
As we integrate the practice of Pratyahara into our lives, let us remember that it is not about rejecting or suppressing the external world, but rather cultivating a balanced relationship with our senses. By withdrawing from the external stimuli with mindful awareness, we create space for self-discovery, inner stillness, and a profound connection with our own being.
The Power of Gaps: Embracing the Space Between Thoughts
In this blog, we will explore the depths of our consciousness by exploring the power of gaps, the space that exists between thoughts. By learning to recognize and dwell in these gaps, we can access a state of inner stillness, clarity, and profound insight, transcending the limitations of the thinking mind.
The Illusion of Continuous Thought
The human mind often appears to be a continuous stream of thoughts, emotions, and sensations, leading us to believe that there is no respite from this constant mental chatter. However, beneath this seemingly unbroken flow lies a hidden realm of silence and stillness, where gaps between thoughts can be found.
These gaps, often overlooked in our daily lives, represent the space of pure awareness, untainted by the conditioning and distractions of the thinking mind. In this space, we can experience a profound sense of peace, tranquility, and oneness with existence.
The Art of Observing the Gaps
To harness the power of gaps, let us try to develop a meditative state of mind, where we become the observer of our thoughts without engaging in them or becoming identified with them. As we watch our thoughts come and go, we can begin to notice the subtle gaps that emerge in between them. Watching the gap between two thoughts, this silent interval becomes more pronounced, more articulate, more expressive. And it is in these silent gaps that you will begin to know who you really are, what your true nature is.
Meditation Techniques for Accessing the Gaps
There are variety of meditation techniques to help us access the power of gaps, including the practice of witnessing the breath. By focusing our attention on the natural flow of our breath, we can become more attuned to the spaces that exist between our inhalations and exhalations, as well as between our thoughts.
Another technique is the practice of “No-Mind,” which involves allowing thoughts to arise without engaging in them or trying to suppress them. By simply observing the thoughts as they come and go, we can become more aware of the gaps that exist between them and gradually expand our experience of these silent intervals.
The Transformative Power of Gaps
By embracing the power of gaps and learning to dwell in the space between thoughts, we can access a state of inner stillness and clarity that transcends the limitations of the thinking mind. This heightened state of awareness can lead to profound insights, a deep sense of inner peace, and a greater connection with our true nature.
Shikantaza: The Art of Just Sitting – A Journey Through Bodhidharma’s Teachings
Shikantaza, or “just sitting,” is a form of meditation central to the Soto Zen tradition, emphasizing the direct experience of reality without any specific focus or technique. While it is most commonly associated with the Japanese Zen master Dogen, the roots of Shikantaza can be traced back to the teachings of Bodhidharma, the Indian monk who brought Zen Buddhism to China in the 6th century CE. In this blog, we will explore the origins, principles, and practice of Shikantaza, as informed by Bodhidharma’s teachings.
Origins of Shikantaza:
Although Shikantaza is most closely identified with the Soto Zen tradition and the teachings of Dogen, its origins can be found in the early Zen teachings of Bodhidharma. Bodhidharma emphasized the importance of meditation and the direct, experiential realization of one’s true nature, free from the constraints of ordinary thought and conceptual understanding. This emphasis on direct experience laid the foundation for the development of Shikantaza as a distinct form of meditation practice.
Principles of Shikantaza:
Shikantaza is rooted in the principles of non-duality, present-moment awareness, and the natural, effortless expression of one’s true nature. These principles are central to Bodhidharma’s teachings and form the basis of Shikantaza practice:
- Non-duality: Shikantaza encourages the direct experience of reality as a seamless, unified whole, transcending the dualistic thinking that separates subject and object, self and other.
- Present-moment awareness: Shikantaza emphasizes the importance of being fully present in the here and now, free from the distractions of past and future, and from any fixed ideas or expectations about the meditation experience.
- Effortless expression of true nature: Shikantaza encourages practitioners to rest in their natural, uncontrived state of being, without striving for any particular experience or outcome.
The Practice of Shikantaza:
Shikantaza is a simple yet profound meditation practice that involves sitting with an open, non-conceptual awareness, allowing thoughts, feelings, and sensations to arise and pass without engaging in them. Here are the key steps to practicing Shikantaza:
- Posture: Sit in a comfortable cross-legged position with your back straight, head held high, and hands resting on your thighs or in a mudra (hand gesture).
- Gaze: Keep your eyes open, with a soft, unfocused gaze directed downward at a 45-degree angle, about two to three feet in front of you.
- Breathing: Allow your breath to flow naturally, without trying to control or manipulate it in any way. Simply observe the breath as it comes and goes.
- Mindfulness: Cultivate a non-judgmental, non-conceptual awareness of whatever arises in your experience, whether it be thoughts, emotions, sensations, or sounds.
- Non-attachment: Whenever you notice your mind becoming engaged with thoughts or feelings, gently bring your awareness back to the present moment, without judgment or self-criticism.
- Persistence: Maintain the practice of Shikantaza for a predetermined period, such as 20 to 30 minutes, or longer if you prefer. Consistency is key to deepening your practice and experiencing its benefits.
By sitting with an open, present-moment awareness, free from any expectations we can begin to dissolve the barriers of dualistic thinking and connect with our true nature. This practice invites us to let go of our habitual patterns of thought and perception, allowing the natural, uncontrived state of being to shine through. As we continue to practice Shikantaza regularly, we may notice a deepening sense of peace, clarity, and equanimity in our daily lives. This non-dual awareness can help us navigate the complexities and challenges of life with greater ease, compassion, and wisdom.
Abhishek Fanse 