Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali

Author(s): Prabhavnanda Swami, Christopher Isherwood
Publisher: Ramkrishna Math Madras

Page 56

46
PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS
The various objects of cencentration here referred to have already been discussed in the commentary upon aphorism 17 of this chapter. The state of yoga (which Patanjali now calls by its technical name, samadhi) may be achieved on each succeeding level of phenomena; we may begin with the outwardness of objects and penetrate toward the utmost inwardness of individuality. There are, therefore, various kinds of samadhi, as we shall see in a moment. But no kind of samadhi is possible until the mind has acquired this tremendous power of concentration which can achieve "sameness or identity” with its object. As we have seen, in considering aphorism 5, the thought-waves in the mind can only be stilled by first swallowing up all the many little waves in one great wave, one single object of concentration.
In the Upanishads, we find this process described in a slightly different, and perhaps simpler, manner. We are told to concentrate upon an object, any object, and to regard it as a symbol of the indwelling Reality, the Atman. If we hold fast to this concept and do not let go for a moment, we shall pass beyong the object's outer coverings of appearance to the inner nature of its being. तत्र शब्दार्थज्ञानविकल्पैः सङ्कीर्णा सवितर्का
HH14fT: 118711 42. When the mind achieves identity with a gross object of
concentration, mixed with awareness of name, quality and knowledge, this is called savitarka samadhi. स्मृतिपरिशुद्धौ स्वरूपशून्येवार्थमात्रनिर्भासा
fafarrant 118311 43. When the mind achieves identity with a gross object of
concentration, unmixed with awareness of name, quality and knowledge, so that the object alone remains, this is called nirvitarka samadhi.