Chitta Vritti Nirodha

The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali is a foundational text of classical Yoga philosophy. It consists of 196 short aphorisms or sutras that are organized into four chapters or books, known as padas. The text is written in Sanskrit and dates back to around 200 BCE to 400 CE.

Book One: Samadhi Pada The first book discusses the nature of Yoga, the various types of mental modifications or vrittis, and the practice of Yoga. Patanjali defines Yoga as the cessation of the fluctuations of the mind. He describes the five types of vrittis: correct knowledge, misconception, imagination, sleep, and memory. He also outlines the eight limbs of Yoga: yama (ethical restraints), niyama (ethical observances), Asana (postures), Pranayama (breath control), pratyahara (withdrawal of the senses), dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and Samadhi (absorption).

Book Two: Sadhana Pada The second book discusses the practice of Yoga in more detail. Patanjali explains the obstacles to Yoga, known as the five kleshas: ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death. He also describes the techniques for overcoming these obstacles, including the practice of kriya Yoga, which involves tapas (discipline), svadhyaya (self-study), and ishvara pranidhana (surrender to a higher power).

Book Three: Vibhuti Pada The third book discusses the powers or siddhis that can be attained through the practice of Yoga. Patanjali explains that these powers are not the goal of Yoga, but rather distractions that can hinder progress. He also discusses the relationship between the mind and the external world, and how the mind can be trained to perceive reality more accurately.

Book Four: Kaivalya Pada The fourth book discusses the ultimate goal of Yoga, which is kaivalya or liberation. Patanjali explains that liberation is achieved when the practitioner realizes the true nature of the self and transcends the limitations of the ego. He also discusses the various paths to liberation, including Jnana Yoga (the path of knowledge), Bhakti Yoga (the path of devotion), and Karma Yoga (the path of action).

Overall, the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali provides a comprehensive guide to the practice and philosophy of Yoga. It emphasizes the importance of ethical conduct, mental discipline, and spiritual realization in achieving the ultimate goal of liberation.

The eight limbs of Yoga provide a comprehensive framework for personal growth and spiritual development. Each limb builds upon the previous one, leading practitioners towards the ultimate goal of self-realization and liberation.

Here is a brief overview of what each limb does for us:

1. Yama: The five ethical guidelines of non-violence, truthfulness, non-stealing, sexual continence, and non-greed help us to cultivate a sense of integrity and respect for others.
2. Niyama: The five personal practices of cleanliness, contentment, self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power help us to cultivate a sense of inner strength and self-awareness.
3. Asana: The physical postures help us to cultivate physical strength, flexibility, and balance, while also preparing the body for meditation.
4. Pranayama: The breathing exercises help us to cultivate awareness of the breath, increase the flow of vital energy in the body, and calm the mind.
5. Pratyahara: The withdrawal of the senses from external distractions helps us to turn inward and cultivate greater focus and concentration.
6. Dharana: Concentration practices help us to develop a one-pointed mind, which is essential for meditation.
7. Dhyana: Meditation practices help us to cultivate a state of deep inner peace and awareness, leading to greater clarity and insight.
8. Samadhi: The ultimate goal of Yoga, Samadhi is a state of profound union with the divine, where the individual self merges with the universal self. It is a state of complete transcendence beyond the limitations of the ego and the material world.

It is often said that true happiness cannot coexist with the constant need to please others. It begs the question: what if your greatest contribution to the world is simply being happy and loving your own life? The reality is that life is fleeting, and we never know when our time on this earth will come to an end. When that time does arrive, what will you regret? What opportunities will you have missed, and why did you allow them to slip away? While it is natural to love and want to make others happy, sacrificing your own experiences and desires for the sole purpose of pleasing others is a self-defeating and futile practice.

As an individual, your responsibility is not to appease everyone around you. Rather, it is to embrace and express the unique pattern of life that has been bestowed upon you. This is achieved by following the impulses of your heart and soul, trusting the natural flow of life that courses through you.

Be yourself, and listen closely to the call of your heart. Doing so without hesitation or reservation will inspire others to seek out their own paths and inner lights. It is this kind of liberation and authenticity that has the power to truly change the world – people who appreciate the preciousness of life and are unafraid to embrace it in its entirety.

The pursuit of radical aliveness is a noble and devoted service to life itself. It is an act of love, of dedication, and of the deepest kind of human experience. Remember, you will never regret fully showing up in life, even if it means experiencing heartbreak, fear, challenge, or embarrassment. What you will regret is denying yourself the experiences your soul longs for and failing to heed its call.

Therefore, be resolute in your commitment to living an authentic and unapologetic life. Walk boldly on the path to radical aliveness, and fulfill the destiny that has been entrusted to you.

In Hindu mythology, Narada is a revered sage who is known for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. He is considered to be an eternal devotee and a divine musician who travels throughout the universe spreading knowledge and wisdom.

According to Hindu scriptures, Narada is believed to have been born from the mind of Lord Brahma, the creator of the universe. He is often depicted as a wandering ascetic who is always playing his musical instrument, the vina. He is known for his ability to inspire devotion and bring peace to troubled souls.

Narada appears in many Hindu texts, including the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas. He is considered to be a spiritual guide and teacher, and his teachings on devotion, or bhakti, are highly revered in Hinduism. The Narada Bhakti Sutra is a text attributed to him that outlines the path of devotion.

The Narada Bhakti Sutra is a text in the Hindu tradition that describes the path of devotion, or Bhakti Yoga. It is attributed to the sage Narada, who is known for his devotion to Lord Vishnu. The text is composed of 84 sutras, or aphorisms, that outline the practice of Bhakti Yoga.

The Narada Bhakti Sutra emphasizes the importance of developing a personal relationship with God through devotion and love. It teaches that the ultimate goal of life is to attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death by attaining union with God through bhakti.

The text outlines nine types of devotion, including hearing about God, chanting God’s name, remembering God, serving God, and surrendering to God. It also emphasizes the importance of developing qualities such as humility, compassion, and devotion in order to progress on the path of bhakti.

Overall, the Narada Bhakti Sutra is a concise and powerful guide to the path of devotion in the Hindu tradition. It has been widely studied and practiced by devotees of all backgrounds and has inspired countless individuals on their spiritual journeys.

The Bhakti Sutra does not describe a specific god, but rather teaches that the ultimate goal of devotion is to attain union with the divine, however one may conceive of it. In Hinduism, there are many gods and goddesses who are worshipped, and different individuals may choose to focus their devotion on different deities. The Bhakti Sutra emphasizes the importance of developing a personal relationship with the divine through love and devotion, rather than focusing on external forms and rituals.

A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada, the founder of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), has written a commentary on the Narada Bhakti Sutra. In his commentary, he explains the teachings of the text in the context of the Hare Krishna movement.

Prabhupada’s commentary on the Narada Bhakti Sutra emphasizes the importance of devotion to Lord Krishna as the supreme object of love. He explains that the ultimate goal of Bhakti Yoga is to attain pure love of God, or prema-bhakti, through the practice of devotion.

Prabhupada’s commentary also highlights the importance of following a Guru, or spiritual teacher, in the practice of Bhakti Yoga. He explains that the Guru is necessary to guide the devotee on the path of devotion and to help them develop a personal relationship with God.

Overall, Prabhupada’s commentary on the Narada Bhakti Sutra is a valuable resource for those interested in the teachings of the Hare Krishna movement and the practice of Bhakti Yoga. It emphasizes the importance of devotion to Lord Krishna and the role of the Guru in guiding the devotee on the path of devotion.

Finding your center is a personal journey that can take time and practice. Here are a few tips that may help you along the way:

1. Practice mindfulness: Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware of your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. By cultivating mindfulness, you can learn to tune out distractions and focus on what’s important to you. One way to practice mindfulness is to sit quietly and focus on your breath, observing each inhale and exhale without judgment.
2. Connect with nature: Spending time in nature can be a great way to find your center. Whether it’s a walk in the woods, a hike in the mountains, or a swim in the ocean, being in nature can help you feel grounded and connected to something larger than yourself.
3. Practice Yoga or meditation: Yoga and meditation are practices that can help you connect with your body, mind, and spirit. Both practices encourage deep breathing, mindfulness, and physical movement, which can help you find your center.
4. Journaling: Journaling is a powerful tool for self-reflection and can help you process your thoughts and emotions. By taking a few minutes each day to write down your thoughts and feelings, you can gain insight into what’s important to you and what’s holding you back.

Remember, finding your center is a personal journey, and what works for one person may not work for another. It’s important to be patient and compassionate with yourself as you explore different practices and techniques.