All the Sutras given by Maharshi Patanjali carry a lot of knowledge to be meditated upon and I do not fully understand them.
With what I know my favorite verses are from 5 to 11, where Maharshi Patanjali introduces us to the modulations of our mind.
vrittayah pangchatayyah klishta aklishtah (5)
pramannaviparyayavikalpanidrasmritayah (6)
pratyakshanumanagamah pramanani (7)
viparyayo mithyajnanam atadroopapratishtham (8)
shabdajnaananupati vastushoonyo vikalpah (9)
abhavapratyayalambana vrittirnidra (10)
anubhootavishayasanpramoshah smritih (11)
In modern medicine by dissecting a body, a physician is able to clearly see the internal arrangement of different organs and gain a very good perspective on its working mechanism.
Similarly, Maharshi Patanjali has given an in-depth understanding of the mind's way of working. The body is physical and can be seen with eyes, but the workings of the mind can only be perceived.
Just listening to these sutras (elaborated by Gurudev) has given a clear understanding to me about an important aspect of me, which is the mind. I am able to see and understand myself better without any judgment and feel more connected to people around me.
The chattering and the restlessness of the mind have reduced significantly and most of the time I am able to decide which thoughts I want to entertain.
It has brought me immense freedom. I feel more calm, composed, and relaxed.
Article by Pallavi AG
A little note: As community conversation facilitators, we believe in giving an individual the autonomy of expression. The views expressed in this piece are the author's own.
