Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | YS II.6 | 08July 2017

Introduction and Invitation

The class begins with a friendly greeting and an invitation to join the Sutra class.

Introduction and Invitation

• The class starts with a warm greeting and an invitation to begin the Sutra class.

Explanation of Asmita (Ego)

The concept of asmita, or ego, is introduced and explained.

Explanation of Asmita (Ego)

• Asmita is described as the second affliction or "glacier" that affects us.

• It is explained that when we lack self-realization, we operate under the influence of asmita.

• An anecdote about recognizing someone out of context is shared to illustrate how our identification with external factors can cloud our perception.

Afflictions and Lack of Self-Realization

The five afflictions that hurt us are discussed, with a focus on avidya (lack of knowledge) and its meaning in yoga philosophy.

Afflictions and Lack of Self-Realization

• Patanjali presents the idea that there are five afflictions or pleasures that affect us.

• Avidya, which means lack of knowledge, is explored in the context of yoga philosophy. It refers to the lack of self-realization.

• The existence of a state in which we operate without self-realization is emphasized.

Introduction to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

An introduction to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras is given.

Introduction to Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

• The class mentions that they are currently studying the second chapter of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras.

Greetings to Nagarajan Amma

A greeting is given to Nagarajan Amma.

Greetings to Nagarajan Amma

• A greeting is extended to Nagarajan Amma.

Acknowledging Manova Cadorna Hartree

Manova Cadorna Hartree is acknowledged.

Acknowledging Manova Cadorna Hartree

• Manova Cadorna Hartree is acknowledged.

Harshit Red Suit Red Choppy Near Milan Tomorrow Panama Dirt Arms Reaper Theorem

A series of words or phrases are mentioned, but their context or meaning is not clear.

Harshit Red Suit Red Choppy Near Milan Tomorrow Panama Dirt Arms Reaper Theorem

• A series of words or phrases are mentioned, but their context or meaning is not clear.

Pendulum

The word "pendulum" is mentioned, but its context or meaning is not clear.

Pendulum

• The word "pendulum" is mentioned, but its context or meaning is not clear.

Introduction to Second Chapter and Asmita (Ego)

An introduction to the second chapter of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras and the concept of asmita (ego) is given.

Introduction to Second Chapter and Asmita (Ego)

• The class discusses being in the second chapter of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. They mention the previous week's discussion on avidya and introduce asmita as the second affliction.

• Asmita is defined as a state of confusion between the self and external identities. An anecdote about recognizing someone out of context is shared to illustrate this concept.

The Concept of Asmita (Ego)

The concept of asmita (ego) is further explained.

The Concept of Asmita (Ego)

• Asmita is described as a state in which our identification with external factors becomes our reality, leading to a lack of clarity and self-realization.

• Various identities, such as name, nationality, gender, and occupation, are mentioned as examples of how we identify ourselves and how others identify us.

Package of Identities

The idea that we carry a package of identities that become our reality is discussed.

Package of Identities

• We create or are given various identities that form a package which becomes our perceived reality. These identities shape how we function on a daily basis.

• Examples include responding to our name, citizenship, gender, occupation, etc., based on the projected identifications from both ourselves and others.

Definition of Asmita (Ego) by Patanjali

Patanjali's definition of asmita (ego) is explained.

Definition of Asmita (Ego) by Patanjali

• Patanjali defines asmita as the confusion between the true self and external identities or labels. This confusion arises when there is a lack of self-realization.

Please note that some sections may not have bullet points as the content provided in the transcript did not lend itself to concise summarization.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of perception and the role of different senses in perceiving the world.

The Role of Glasses in Perception

• The speaker uses a metaphor of wearing glasses to explain perception.

• Glasses are like a medium that assists in perception.

• They help with reading but are not the perceiver themselves.

Different Instruments of Perception

• Perception is not limited to just seeing through the eyes.

• Hearing, smelling, and feeling are also forms of perception.

• The body's skin is an instrument for feeling both externally and internally.

New Section

In this section, the speaker explores the confusion that arises between the perceiver and the instrument of perception.

Confusion Between Perceiver and Instrument

• The eyes, ears, and other senses are instruments of perception.

• They assist in perceiving but are not the actual perceivers themselves.

• There can be a confusion where one starts identifying with these instruments as the true perceiver.

State of Confusion (Asmita)

• Asmita refers to a state of confusion where there is a lack of realization about who is truly perceiving.

• This confusion leads to an assumption that what helps in perception is actually the perceiver itself.

New Section

In this section, the speaker compares the relationship between Purusha (the perceiver) and Prakruti (the instrument) to water taking on qualities of fire.

Water Taking on Qualities of Fire

• When water boils, it takes on qualities similar to fire.

• It can burn or cook things just like fire does.

• Similarly, our body and senses take on qualities similar to consciousness (Purusha).

Confusion Between Purusha and Prakruti

• Purusha (the perceiver) and Prakruti (the instrument) exist together but are different.

• There can be a confusion where Prakruti starts acting as if it is the true self, dominating our perception.

New Section

In this section, the speaker uses the analogy of a powerful secretary to explain how Prakruti can dominate our perception in the absence of realizing the true self.

The Powerful Secretary Analogy

• A powerful secretary who works closely with a boss may start thinking they are the boss in the absence of the real boss.

• Similarly, when there is a lack of realization about the true perceiver (Purusha), Prakruti starts dominating our perception.

Dominance of Prakruti

• When we identify ourselves solely with our body, senses, and mind, we develop suffering.

• The body and senses take on qualities similar to consciousness but are not consciousness itself.

• This identification with impermanent aspects leads to suffering when they change or deteriorate.

New Section

In this section, the speaker emphasizes not developing attachment to false identifications that lead to suffering.

Attachment to False Identifications

• Investing too much in identifying with our youthfulness or physical appearance leads to suffering when they change.

• Our minds also change as we age, leading to different desires and dreams.

• Developing attachment to these changing identifications causes suffering.

Importance of Non-Attachment

• While the body is important, it is not the most important aspect of our existence.

• By avoiding attachment to false identifications, we can avoid unnecessary suffering.

What is Real and the Truth

The speaker discusses the concept of reality and truth, emphasizing that truth does not change. They give an example of the sun rising in the east as an unchanging truth.

Understanding Reality and Truth

• Reality is defined as what is real and does not change.

• The truth is something that remains constant and does not change.

• An example of a truth is the sun rising in the east every day.

The Unchanging Nature of the Sun

The speaker highlights how the sun's rising and setting every day is a universal truth that remains unaffected by external factors such as political events or personal circumstances.

Unchanging Nature of the Sun

• Regardless of external factors like who is president or whether there is happiness or success, the sun will rise and set every day.

• Unlike our own lives, we cannot confidently say that we will always be healthy, happy, or successful in our endeavors.

Suffering Due to Identity-Based Investments

The speaker explains how suffering arises from investing in identities rather than focusing on true self-awareness. They discuss relationships based on external attributes rather than genuine connections.

Identity-Based Investments

• Many relationships today are based on external attributes (prakruti) rather than a connection with one's true self (self).

• Relationships are often defined by societal norms, job requirements, or physical appearances.

• This approach removes heart connections and focuses solely on professional aspects.

Relationships Based on Prakruti (External Attributes)

The speaker emphasizes that relationships with friends, family, partners, or jobs are usually based on external attributes (prakruti) rather than a genuine connection with the self.

Relationships Based on Prakruti

• Relationships with friends, family, partners, or jobs are typically defined by external attributes.

• These relationships prioritize convenience and compatibility over heart connections.

• The speaker mentions that Asmita (ego) is responsible for this approach.

Identification and Its Impact on Actions

The speaker discusses how identification plays a significant role in our lives from birth, affecting our actions and investments. They highlight the impermanence of identities.

Impact of Identification

• From birth, we are given various identities such as gender and family affiliation.

• Identities can be changed but still influence our actions and investments.

• Investing in temporary identities removes joy from our lives.

Imagined Realities and Their Consequences

The speaker explains how imagined realities, such as national borders or societal divisions, can lead to suffering when we invest too much in them. They provide examples of India's partition and cricket matches to illustrate this point.

Imagined Realities

• National borders and societal divisions are imagined realities that we agree upon.

• Investing heavily in these imagined realities leads to suffering.

• Examples include India's partition into two countries and people's emotional reactions to cricket match outcomes.

Removing Joy through Identity-Based Focus

The speaker highlights how focusing on identity-based parameters like caste, country, or gender removes joy from relationships. They emphasize the importance of genuine connections over external factors.

Removing Joy through Identity Focus

• Focusing on identity-based parameters like caste, country, or gender hinders genuine connections.

• People often prioritize convenience and compatibility over true connection and happiness.

• The speaker emphasizes the need to remove identity-based focus to experience joy in relationships.

Ego (Asmita) and Temporary Happiness

The speaker explains how ego (asmita) hinders joy by seeking temporary happiness based on identities. They highlight the impermanence of such happiness.

Ego and Temporary Happiness

• Ego (asmita) seeks temporary happiness based on identities.

• Temporary happiness derived from ego-driven actions is not stable or lasting.

• Investing in ego removes true joy from our lives.

Realizing the Illusion of Identity

The speaker emphasizes the importance of realizing that identities are temporary and illusory. They discuss the impact of identification on suffering and urge self-awareness.

Illusion of Identity

• Identifications, such as gender or name, are temporary and illusory.

• Suffering arises when we mistake these identities for reality.

• Self-awareness is crucial to understanding the illusion of identity and reducing suffering.

The Illusion of Identity

In this section, the speaker discusses how our identities can be misleading and create problems. They give examples of national identities and gender identities to illustrate this point.

The Problem with Identifying with Nationalities

• Many people strongly identify with their nationality, but it is important to recognize that nations have changed over time.

• America and India are examples of countries that did not exist in their current form a few hundred years ago.

• By attaching ourselves too strongly to our national identity, we limit our perspective and create unnecessary conflicts.

The Illusion of Gender Identity

• We often view the world through the lens of our gender identity, even in mundane situations like using public restrooms.

• In reality, there is no inherent difference between men's and women's toilets, but we assign meaning to them based on societal norms.

• When someone deviates from these norms (e.g., a man using a women's restroom), it can lead to anger and agitation.

• These rigid gender identities contribute to the loss of joy in life.

Identity Issues in the Yoga Field

• Similar issues arise in the yoga community, where individuals strongly identify with specific yoga styles or brands.

• People focus more on establishing their identity as a yogi rather than understanding what yoga truly means for them.

• This fixation on identity leads to further divisions within the yoga community based on dietary choices, clothing preferences, etc.

Releasing Identities for Freedom

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the need to release our various identities for true liberation. They explain how these identities act as costumes that restrict us and cause discomfort.

The Burden of Multiple Identities

• We accumulate numerous identities throughout our lives: gender, nationality, profession, family background, etc.

• Each identity acts as a costume that we wear, but when we accumulate too many, it becomes uncomfortable and suffocating.

• The more identities we have, the tighter the grip they have on us, preventing us from experiencing true freedom.

The Concept of Nirvana

• The Yogi's concept of liberation, known as Nirvana, involves shedding these identities metaphorically.

• It is not about physically walking around naked but rather removing the illusions created by our identities.

• Nirvana is the removal of these identifications and patterns that restrict us.

Unlearning for Self-Realization

• True self-realization requires unlearning rather than acquiring more knowledge or techniques.

• Desperation to learn about enlightenment can hinder progress; instead, we must focus on undoing established patterns.

• Patanjali's teachings in yoga emphasize reducing patterns (samskaras) to progress on the path.

Liberation through Removing Identities

In this section, the speaker further explores the concept of liberation by removing identifications. They caution against causing suffering to others and highlight the importance of unlearning.

Understanding Nirvana

• Nirvana is not just about personal liberation; it also involves considering others and avoiding causing suffering.

• Removing identifications allows for a deeper understanding of oneself and others.

Unlearning for Enlightenment

• Seeking enlightenment through desperate searching is unlikely to yield results.

• Instead, one must focus on undoing established patterns and illusions created by identities.

• Buddhist teachings also emphasize stopping seeking as a means to find enlightenment.

The Path of Yoga

• Progress in yoga does not come from accumulating more techniques or knowledge.

• It comes from reducing patterns (samskaras) and letting go of attachments to identities.

This summary provides an overview of key points discussed in the transcript. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to the full transcript.

New Section

In this section, the concept of karma and the relationship between purusa and prakruti are discussed.

Understanding Karma and Inaction

• Karma is not just about acquiring knowledge but also unlearning what we have learned.

• Inaction is not non-action, but a reversal of actions that we have created.

• The concept of karma emphasizes the significance of action and inaction.

Differentiating Purusa and Prakruti

• Purusa and prakruti should be seen as separate entities, even though they are closely related.

• They are different - one is the passenger (purusa) and the other is the vehicle (prakruti).

• Just because they have a long-standing relationship does not mean they are the same.

• Prakruti serves as a vehicle for action for purusa.

Purposeful Relationship between Purusa and Prakruti

• The relationship between purusa and prakruti exists for a specific purpose.

• Once that purpose is served, they will separate from each other.

Essence of Sutra Driptadrishtauh Svaroopastanam

• Patanjali's sutra highlights the state of confusion between purusa and prakruti.

• Purusa represents the perceiver while prakruti assists in the perception process.

• This sutra emphasizes the importance of understanding their distinct roles.

New Section

This section concludes with gratitude expressed by the speaker.

Expressing Gratitude

The speaker expresses gratitude to friends for their attention.