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Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | II.21 & II.22 | 30 June 2018
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Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | II.21 & II.22 | 30 June 2018

New Section

Introduction to the concept of Purusha and Prakruti in Vedic philosophy.

Understanding Purusha and Prakruti

  • Purusha is the perceiver, experiencing reality through Prakruti.
  • Purusha and Prakruti are likened to a strong but somewhat dysfunctional relationship.
  • The relationship between Purusha and Prakruti is compared to an Indian arranged marriage based on past Karma.

New Section

The importance of daily practices and sustenance to fulfill one's dharma over time is discussed.

Daily Practices for Fulfilling Dharma

  • Consistent daily practices such as reading, studying, and practicing are essential for inspiration and personal growth.
  • Fulfilling one's dharma may take years and requires daily sustenance similar to maintaining a house for safety and purpose.
  • Taking care of the body (prakruti) through cleanliness, nourishment, and maintenance parallels maintaining a physical house.

Yoga Philosophy and Materialism

Patanjali discusses the essence of yoga, emphasizing its spiritual nature over materialistic pursuits.

Yoga's Spiritual Essence

  • Yoga aims to reach consciousness through practices like breath control and meditation.
  • Success in yoga is fulfilling one's potential or Dharma, not just physical achievements like body slimming.
  • Yoga's true purpose is beyond material gains; it aims to connect with consciousness rather than physical appearances.

Understanding the Temporary Nature of Existence

Patanjali explains the impermanence of material possessions and bodies.

Impermanence of Matter

  • Objects like chairs or houses are temporary containers; they do not truly belong to individuals.
  • Just as seats on a plane are interchangeable, our bodies and possessions are transient and pass from one owner to another.

The Cycle of Life and Death

Patanjali delves into the cycle of life, death, and rebirth in relation to consciousness.

Metabolic Process

  • Bodies transform from one form to another through metabolic processes involving food absorption and decomposition.
  • Dead bodies return to nature as fertilizer for plants or food for other creatures, illustrating the cycle of life and death.

Nature of Prakruti (Material World)

Patanjali discusses how Prakruti (material world) serves its purpose before transitioning into something else.

Disposable Nature of Prakruti

  • Prakruti, including our bodies and minds, is disposable once its purpose is fulfilled.

The Significance of Dharma and Consciousness

In this section, the speaker delves into the importance of understanding Dharma and consciousness in relation to life and fulfillment.

Understanding Aging and Consciousness

  • The concept of aging is discussed as a reflection on the inevitability of death and the impact it has on relationships.
  • Death is portrayed as a natural process where consciousness transcends bodily limitations to fulfill its purpose.
  • The detachment of consciousness from the body upon death is likened to shedding sorrow, emphasizing the impermanence of physical existence.

Fulfilling Dharma for Liberation

  • The relationship between body and consciousness is highlighted as essential for fulfilling one's Dharma.
  • Humans are distinguished by their ability to fulfill four purusharthas, including Dharma, Artha, Kama, and Moksa.

The Essence of Individual Dharma

This segment explores the significance of individual Dharma in achieving liberation and embracing uniqueness.

Embracing Individual Potential

  • Fulfilling one's Dharma is emphasized as a prerequisite for attaining liberation according to Patanjali's teachings.
  • Individual potential is defined by unique talents that must be nurtured beyond societal obligations.

Acceptance of Uniqueness

  • Each individual possesses distinct potentials that require acceptance rather than comparison or conformity.

New Section

The speaker discusses the concept of Dharma and the importance of fulfilling one's destiny.

Understanding Dharma

  • The body type and constitution are given for fulfilling Dharma.
  • Consciousness and body coming together is likened to an arranged marriage without choice, emphasizing the need to fulfill destiny.
  • In ancient times, arranged marriages were based on supporting each other's Dharma, unlike modern transactional approaches.
  • Fulfilling Dharma leads to liberation; it transcends lifetimes and requires understanding ancestral contributions.

New Section

The discussion delves into the intergenerational impact on fulfilling one's purpose and the significance of ancestral karma.

Ancestral Influence on Dharma

  • An individual's Dharma may transcend lifetimes, requiring future generations to continue it.
  • Acknowledgment of ancestors' support in fulfilling one's purpose, both positive and negative influences.
  • Emphasizes that yoga practice should be about expressing potentials rather than mere physical practices like asanas or pranayamas.

New Section

Explores the relationship between purusa (consciousness) and prakruti (matter) in fulfilling one's purpose.

Purusa and Prakruti Relationship

  • Reflect on the master-slave relationship between consciousness (purusa) and matter (prakruti).
  • Consciousness is considered the master in yoga philosophy; matter serves consciousness for liberation.
Video description

This lecture is part of a series of Free Public Lectures on the Yogasutra of Patanjali, conducted by Dr. Kausthub Desikachar at the Krishnamacharya Healing & Yoga Foundation (www.khyf.net). The KHYF is the official umbrella organization that represents the classical and authentic Viniyoga® tradition of Acarya T Krishnamacharya and TKV Desikachar. In this session, Dr. Kausthub Desikachar speaks on the Sutras II.21 and II.22 which explore the concept of Spirituality and Materialism according to the Yogadarśana. All are welcome to attend this lecture either at our center directly or through this webcast.