Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | II.11 | 05 Aug 2017

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The instructor welcomes the viewers to the Saturday public Sutra class and begins with an invocation.

Invocation

• The instructor starts the class with an invocation.

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The instructor continues with the invocation.

Invocation (continued)

• The instructor recites a Sanskrit mantra as part of the invocation.

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The instructor mentions "future by latina."

Future by Latina

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The instructor continues speaking about future by Latina.

Future by Latina (continued)

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Heart Angela Maha Basha Taraka Prety

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The instructor mentions epithelium patandjill mm um

Epithelium Patandjill

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Silence

Silence

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Introduction to Chapter 2 of Yoga Sutras of Patanjali

Introduction to Chapter 2

• The instructor introduces the topic of Chapter 2, which is the Sadhana Pada of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

• In the previous week's lecture, they discussed the definitions of "clashes" or afflictions that cause suffering.

• The instructor mentions a sutra about eliminating clashes when they are in a small or subtle state.

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Explanation of sutra regarding eliminating clashes

Eliminating Clashes

• The instructor explains that clashes must be eliminated when they are in a small or subtle state.

• When clashes are big, it is obvious that they need to be dealt with. However, when they are subtle, it may not be as apparent.

• The sutra emphasizes the importance of addressing clashes even when they are operating at a subtle level.

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Discussion on how clashes operate at different levels

Clashes Operating at Different Levels

• The instructor explains that clashes can operate in different ways: prosciutto tano (big), mudarra (subdued), and dormant (inactive).

• It is important to address clashes even when they are in a small or subtle state.

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Importance of dealing with subtle clashes

Dealing with Subtle Clashes

• The instructor reiterates the importance of addressing subtle clashes, even though they may not be obvious.

• Subtle clashes can still have an impact on our lives and well-being.

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Clashes operating whether conscious or not

Conscious and Unconscious Clashes

• Clashes operate whether we are conscious of them or not.

• Fear and desire can exist both consciously and unconsciously.

• Some fears and desires may be subconscious or unconscious but still influence our thoughts and actions.

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Examples of unconscious desires and unresolved anger

Unconscious Desires and Unresolved Anger

• Subconscious desires can manifest as cravings or attractions towards certain things or people.

• Even if we consciously deny these desires, they may still exist at a subconscious level.

• Unresolved anger from the past can also affect our behavior, even if we are not consciously aware of it.

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Explanation of karma and krodha (lust and anger)

Karma and Krodha (Lust and Anger)

• Karma refers to unconscious sensual desire, such as craving for food, material objects, or people.

• Krodha is anger that may be consciously or unconsciously expressed in our behavior.

• Both karma and krodha can have underlying subconscious patterns that influence our actions.

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Subconscious desires in relationships

Subconscious Desires in Relationships

• In relationships, there may be subconscious desires for other people, even if one is committed to a partner.

• Watching attractive individuals in movies can trigger unconscious desires.

• Similarly, even when consciously avoiding certain foods, there may still be a subconscious desire for them.

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Unresolved past anger affecting current relationships

Unresolved Past Anger

• Unresolved anger from past experiences, such as childhood or previous relationships, can impact current relationships.

• People may claim not to be angry while exhibiting behaviors that indicate otherwise.

• This unresolved anger is often triggered by situations that remind us of the past.

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This section discusses the concept of "lobha" or greed and its impact on our behavior.

Greed and Desire

• Greed, also known as "lobha," is the desire to possess something even if we cannot afford it or have no need for it.

• Lobha can lead to a clash of rhythms within us, causing us to feel an urge to acquire something that may not be logical or necessary.

• It is important to recognize that lobha arises from unresolved desires and unsatisfied needs within ourselves.

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This section explores the destructive form of anger known as "krodha" or rage.

Rage and Anger

• Rage, or krodha, is a clash of rhythms that can be triggered by external factors but stems from deep-seated unresolved anger within ourselves.

• When in a state of rage, we may behave in violent and destructive ways that are uncharacteristic of our true nature.

• Krodha can overpower us, making us lose control over our actions and leading to regret later on.

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This section discusses jealousy and its connection to unsatisfied needs.

Jealousy

• Jealousy arises when we covet what others have, even if we already possess the same thing or cannot attain it ourselves.

• Unresolved desires and unsatisfied needs contribute to feelings of jealousy, which can take over our thoughts and emotions.

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This section explores the concept of delusion and its connection to unresolved traumas.

Delusion

• Delusion, or moha, occurs when we become completely deceived or misguided.

• Unresolved traumas from our past can contribute to delusional thinking and behavior.

• These unresolved traumas, known as vasanas, are subconscious impressions that influence our thoughts and actions.

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This section highlights how unresolved negative experiences amplify clashes and hinder clarity.

Unresolved Negative Experiences

• Negative experiences that remain unresolved create clashes and amplify existing conflicts within us.

• Traumatic experiences that are repressed or suppressed continue to affect us even if we try to forget them.

• These unresolved vasanas impact our perception and behavior until we address them consciously.

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This section emphasizes the importance of reducing clashes to cultivate clarity.

Reducing Clashes for Clarity

• By reducing clashes through spiritual practices (sadhanas), clarity begins to emerge.

• Clarity allows us to see our own problems instead of blaming others for our discomfort or conflicts.

• Recognizing and resolving these internal issues is crucial for personal growth and transformation.

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This section introduces the metaphor of removing stubborn stains to explain the process of resolving conflicts.

Resolving Conflicts

• Resolving conflicts requires focused effort, similar to removing stubborn stains from clothes with extra attention and cleansing products.

• Patanjali compares this process to the sadhana practices that help reduce clashes and bring forth clarity.

• The sutras presented by Patanjali guide us in resolving conflicts and achieving inner transformation.

The Significance of Sutrayana, Vrittis, and Arnim

This section discusses the significance of sutrayana, vrittis, and arnim in removing deep traumas and subtle impressions that influence us. It emphasizes the need for pacification before dealing with more stubborn problems.

Subtle Practices and Ashtanga Yoga

• The sutras emphasize the importance of subtle practices like sutrayana and vrittis to remove deep traumas and influences.

• Ashtanga Yoga is introduced as a means to address more subtle problems after reducing clashes through sham Onam (pacification).

Pacification as the First Step

• Pacification is essential before working with subtle and stubborn problems.

• Without pacifying initial symptoms, it becomes challenging to deal with deeper issues.

• Many people come with emotional, psychological, and spiritual problems that require initial pacification.

Addressing Agitation and Symptoms

• When individuals are agitated or overwhelmed by their problems, it is crucial to focus on reducing their symptoms first.

• By using certain techniques like grass techniques in yoga therapy, symptoms can be reduced to create a calmer state.

• A stable state allows individuals to better handle more subtle problems arising from within themselves.

Resolving Grass Problems Before Subtle Problems

• Yoga suggests resolving grass problems first before addressing subtle ones.

• However, resolving grass problems does not guarantee immediate happiness or an absence of suffering when dealing with subtle issues.

• Self-inquiry and self-responsibility are necessary for facing one's own patterns and unresolved traumas.

Example of Yoga Therapy Approach

This section provides an example illustrating how a yoga therapist approached a patient's anxiety and insomnia issue by initially focusing on reducing symptoms before addressing underlying trust issues.

Observing the Sutra in Practice

• The speaker shares an example observed from their father's one-to-one yoga therapy sessions.

• A young woman in her 30s suffered from severe anxiety and insomnia, which worsened when her husband traveled for business.

Unresolved Trust Issues

• The woman's anxiety and insomnia were mainly due to her lack of trust in her husband's faithfulness.

• Despite no evidence of infidelity, she had deep-rooted suspicions stemming from unresolved trauma related to her father's extramarital relationship during her childhood.

Pacification Approach

• Instead of directly addressing the trust issues, the yoga therapist focused on reducing anxiety and improving sleep first.

• Through pranayama, mantras, and body movements, the therapist helped improve the woman's sleep quality, leading to a reduction in anxiety over time.

Addressing Trust Issues Later

• Once the symptoms improved significantly, the therapist gradually addressed the trust issues with the woman.

• By separating these two aspects of treatment, it allowed for a more effective approach and better long-term results.

Importance of Self-Inquiry and Self-Reflection

This section emphasizes the significance of self-inquiry and self-reflection in resolving personal problems. It highlights how taking responsibility for one's own patterns is crucial for long-term growth.

Facing Personal Problems Boldly

• Self-inquiry and self-reflection are essential aspects of resolving personal problems.

• It requires courage to face one's own patterns boldly without blaming others or external circumstances.

Example from Yoga Therapy Work

• The speaker shares an example where observing their father working with patients provided valuable insights.

• In this case, addressing a patient's unresolved trauma was more effective than attributing their problems solely to external factors.

Resolving Trauma vs. Blaming Others

• Blaming others or external circumstances does not lead to effective long-term solutions.

• Resolving unresolved traumas and patterns through self-inquiry and self-reflection is crucial for personal growth.

Reduction of Anxiety and Insomnia

This section focuses on a specific case where a woman's anxiety and insomnia were linked to her husband's business travels. It highlights the importance of addressing symptoms before delving into underlying issues.

Relationship between Travel and Symptoms

• The woman experienced increased anxiety and insomnia whenever her husband traveled for business.

• Her husband's senior management position required frequent domestic and international travel.

Lack of Trust in the Husband

• The woman's symptoms were primarily rooted in her lack of trust in her husband's faithfulness.

• Despite no evidence, she had deep-seated suspicions due to unresolved trauma from her father's infidelity during her childhood.

Separating Symptom Reduction from Underlying Issues

• The yoga therapist initially focused on reducing the woman's anxiety and improving sleep quality.

• By addressing these symptoms first, it created a more relaxed state, allowing for better long-term progress.

Gradually Addressing Trust Issues

• Once the symptoms improved significantly, the therapist started addressing the trust issues with the woman.

• This approach separated symptom reduction from deeper underlying issues, leading to more effective results.

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This section discusses the case of a woman who had unresolved childhood traumas and how she used a combination of psychotherapy and yoga therapy to address them.

Resolving Childhood Traumas

• The woman started sharing her anxieties about her childhood experiences with her father and mother.

• Her father restructured their practices to help her deal with these traumas.

• The combined approach of psychotherapy and yoga therapy was helpful in addressing deep-seated issues.

Unconscious Mind Structures

• Our mind structure is compared to an iceberg, where the conscious and cognitive aspects are only the tip.

• There is much more hidden below the surface in the unconscious mind that controls our actions and behavior.

• Subtle tools of yoga, like meditation, are needed to access these unconscious structures.

Subtle Tools for Addressing Mind Structures

• Different kinds of minds require different tools for addressing their structures.

• Subtle structures of the mind can be accessed through tools like Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi.

• Just as a surgeon uses fine instruments for delicate procedures, subtle tools are needed for dealing with subtle clashes in the mind.

Yoga Beyond Asana Practices

• Many people today focus on asana practices but overlook the subtler aspects of yoga.

• Yoga is about going inward through a subtle process rather than external displays or poses.

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This section emphasizes the importance of using subtle tools in yoga to address deeper levels of consciousness.

Long-Term Process

• Working on resolving deep-seated issues is a long-term process that requires patience and persistence.

• Subtle activities of consciousness need specific tools to be addressed effectively.

Importance of Subtle Tools in Yoga

• Gross clashes can be resolved using gross structures or practices, but subtle clashes require subtle tools.

• Patanjali's Yoga Sutras highlight the need for using subtle tools to address the subtleness of consciousness.

Reminder on Yoga Practice

• Many people today are obsessed with asana practices and external displays of yoga.

• The true essence of yoga lies in the inward journey and accessing the subtler aspects of consciousness.

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