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SELF AWARENESS THROUGH MEDITATION
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Concentration and stability of mind can be achieved through Pranaayam or the exercise of breathing. This book, however, does not mention the names of different types of exercises that are taught in the name of Yoga. It indicates the exercise of inspiration, retention and expiration of breath. The system has been elaborated by later day saints. Mind cannot become stable so long as we are indulging and craving. One has to stop craving or become 'Veetaraaga' (one without craving) to attain peace. 109
Sampragyaata and Asampragyaat Samadhi
When the mind becomes stable, the aspirant can concentrate and fix his mind on the minutest of things to the biggest thing and thus attain peace. “When the mind's proclivities for the worldly objects of grasping, grasper and the grasp-become one it becomes ‘Sampragyaata Samadhi' or peace with wisdom.”110 To be one with the end to be achieved is the attainment of peace.
There are two types of 'Sampragyaata Samadhi’. First, the "Savitarka Samadhi' and second, the 'Nirvitarka Samadhi'. In the first Samadhi, there is knowledge of word, its meaning and there is application of mind. In the second the meaning and words are lost and there is direct relation with the end only. The latter Samadhi is also of two types (1) 'Savichaar' or with thought and (2) ‘Nirvichaara' or without thought process. When one attains Samadhi where there are no thoughts, deep wisdom is attained, all old impressions are erased and eternal peace dawns. When old impressions or 'Sanskaara are finished totally, then one gets the 'Nirbeeja Smadhi' or 'Asampragyaata Samadhi' or the eternal peace which will never be disturbed by the arising of old Sanskaara. In this the status of ‘Kaivalya’ or Enlightenment is attained.
Yoga Saadhana or the Practice of Yoga
The second chapter of the Yoga Darshana' deals with the means to attain 'Samadhi' or transcendental peace. One gets peace only when obstacles are eliminated and for that 'Kriya Yoga' or practices have been recommended. They are ‘Tapa’ or penance, ‘Swadhyaaya’ or study (of the self) and devotion to God. There are five obstacles in attaining peace and they are:
1. Avidya or Ignorance 2. Asmita or Delusion 3. Raaga or Craving
