Sambodhi 2014 Vol 37

Author(s): J B Shah
Publisher: L D Indology Ahmedabad

Page 77

69
Vol. XXXVII, 2014
Relevance of Sanskrit to Modern World सर्वकर्मस्वहिंसा हि धर्मात्मा मनुरब्रवीत् ।। charte farefn af de 4957 RT: 11 - ibid-265.4,5)
These are innumerable effects of disturbing ecological balance of the nature. All the scientists agree that it is high time to draw a line, to limit ourselves and save the planet for future generations to come.
The solution to this disastrous problem cannot lie in the weapons, nor in the technology or in the industries. Peaceful and harmless solution lies in Yoga of Patañjali. Yogaśāstra or the science of Yoga is one prominent science which gives basic infrastructure of harmony among human life and the nature. Yoga practice in tradition was a personal practice. People lived in secluded places and in harmony with nature in order to practice Yoga, meditation and Samādhi. Those practicing Yoga tried to establish equanimity with the eco-unit around them. They cultured crops and gardens and tended cattle. It was more of learning for them than preaching. The eight steps of Yoga touch all aspects of life trimming and limiting human existence, so that the rest of creation can continue to exist peacefully without any harm. The problern is not only of peaceful co-existence, but also of survival of human race. Survival of human race is possible only when other existences survive. The way to peaceful coexistence is possible only when the means would be non-violent, peaceful and eco-friendly at the same time. Now the time has come that Yoga principles should be applied universally for common good, for survival and for better quality of life.
Yogśāstra is a unique gift to the world of Sanskrit language. Upanisads
out the Brahman and such esoteric things. The way to attain that spiritual goal is instructed in the Yogśāstra of Patañjali. There are eight steps instructed here, i.e. Yama, niyama, āsana, prāņāyāma, pratyāhāra, dhāraṇā, dhyāna and Samadhi. Patañjali's Yoga treatise has four chapters and each chapter has several sutra or aphorisms. These brief sentences hold a mine of knowledge for all mankind. The second sutra of first chapter 'Samadhipāda' holds the key to almost all human problems. All other sūtras can be said as the corollary to this sūtra. The sūtra is 'yogah cittavṛtti-nirodhah'. It means, 'Yoga is the cessation of the fluctuations arising within consciousness' (Yogasūtra, I.2). Yoga is controlling the modifications of mind. It is our mind and desires which compel us to do, which we ought not. We need many things to u to enjoy. As Manusmrti has pointed out that, the desires are fulfilled by enjoying them. But when desires are being enjoyed, they grow even more, just