is said to be the one in which the entire science of Yoga is based upon.
Yogas Citta Vrtti Nirodhah
Yogas = Yoga; chitta = of the mind-stuff; vrtti = modifications; nirodhah = restraint
"The restraint of the modifications of the mind-stuff is yoga."
(Book I, Sutra 2 in the "Yoga Sutras of Patanjal")
I like Satchidananda's commentary on the subject. "If you can control the rising of the mind into ripples, you will experience yoga." I find my mind rippling to the point of tidal waves on many occasions. I spend hours of my life contemplating the deeper aspects of yoga...especially since I teach the practice to others I am always praying in my heart for more refined/more effective ways in which to share my understanding of what yoga "is" (and what it isn't).
When I find myself struggling to better explain the heart of yoga, my heart/mind comes back to this sutra. Satchidananada goes onto to summarize it in this way, which really resonates with me:
"The entire outside world is based on your thoughts and mental attitude. The entire world is your own projection. Your values may change within the fraction of a second.
...That is why yoga does not bother much about changing the outside world. There is a Sanskrit saying, "Mana eva manushyanam karanam bandha mokshayhoho." "As the mind, so the man; bondage or liberation are in your own mind." If you feel bound, you are bound. If you feel liberated, you are liberated. Things outside neither bind or liberate you; only your attitude toward them does that."
I am reminded also of the Ken Wilbur Meditation, "I have a body, but I am not my body..."
What a liberating concept to know that the essence of our very being is eternal...can never grow old...never gets sick, and never dies. While this 'organic bodysuit' we inhabit while we live this precious life will not last forever, the true Self is perfect, pure, radiant Energy. To glimpse at this within ourselves is to know God. To honor it within each other is to share God.
This is yoga.
Namaste,
IndigoGrrl