| Subject: Re: MEDITATION - PATANJALIS EIGHTFOLD ELEMENTS |
Author:
Penny
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Date Posted: Wed, Dec 17 2003, 19:01:51
In reply to:
Penny
's message, "MEDITATION - BEING AND BECOMING" on Wed, Dec 10 2003, 17:45:33
The science of Yoga (Union) has been comprehensively explained in this masterly text, which, though written down some two thousand years ago, ago stands as the authority to this day in the Vedic Sanskrit philosophical tradition. It presents us with a systematice and holistic approach to meditative awareness which is presented in eight aspects.
The first of these is a series of five measures with which to regulate our relationships with others.
Of these the first, paradoxically, is said to be the culmination of the entire science. This is harmlessness, not to injure another in thought, word or deed. This is a very high ideal with practical applications at many levels. Patanjali gives a "litmus paper" test for a progress towards this. If harmlessness is perfected, aggression and violence cease in one's environment.
Then comes the practice of Truthfulness. The old Biblical injunction "Thou shalt not bear false witness" is a perfect statement of this measure. It is very much concerned with the trueness of our self expression. Again, there is an acid test. When truthfulness is perfected what we say will come to pass. The very basic requirement is that we keep our word-a sure sign of integrity of being.
Non-stealing is the next measure - not taking to ourselves what does not belong to us. Ultimately we are all burdened and possessed by our possessions and to some extent have all realized this in some way. As we free ourselves from this desire to take to ourselves beyond our true needs, to the same extent we become free to enjoy all the riches life has to offer.
Self-containment is prescribed next, a curb on the incessant wastage of energy, in all its many forms. Fidgeting and chattering are two obvious examples we could all work on with immediate good effect. As a result of self containment virility or creative energy would become increasingly available to us.
The last of this first series of measures is non-grasping. It is the ability to relax and let go. Meditative awareness is hidden from us if we have our nose in a mental "account book" full of debits and credits, obligations and requirements based on our past experiences.
The second element deals with another set of five measures more related to our inner awareness - our relationship within ourselves.
These begin with cleanliness, not only of the body but also of the mind and heart.
Then comes contentment, which really needs no commentary. A moments self reflection shows what a misery we create for ourselves through discontent - which is basically an inability to accept present reality!
A disciplined approach to life is next called for, which is very much a question of connection to natural measure, not to eat or sleep too little or too much are disciplines (or lack of) which we all face daily.
The fourth measure is to do with self examination, or self awareness without which the final measure of being at all times true to oneself would not be possible.
These ten measures outlined in the first two elements of the system of Yoga are clearly all complimentary. Perfect one and the others would all fall into place. Clearly, only when we have begun to acknowledge them can meditative awareness begibn to become available to us.
The third element is posture. Patanjali says that this should be steady and joyful. It arises through the total relaxation of effort. To the extent that effort is relaxed, our limitations begin to dissolve. All the different "postures" common to the practice of Hatha Yoga are designed to facilitate this total relaxation through which we may come to our still centre, at the same time developing strength of the nervous system.
The fourth element deals with restoring the breath and the flow of vitality or the life force to its full measure. All the practices suggested within these threads begin with connection to the breath and are entirely safe since they operate within your own comfortable capacity. Any other experimentation with breath should only be attempted under qualified supervision, such is the power of breath.
The fifth element is detachment. This is often translated as separating the senses from their objects. However this is not feasible since the senses and their objects are different aspects of the same energy and union will not be possible without their connection. What is required is that the witnessing meditative awareness remains detached from the whole process of experiencing. This brings maximum freedom and full enjoyment - both.
Sixth, seventh and eighth elements describe the process of meditative awareness. The mind, in conjunction with the senses, focuses upon an object - this may be a sound, form, smell, feeling or indeed a taste. What begins as a gross - physical experience refines through ever expanding levels of awareness, until we stand alone fully established in meditative awareness.
All this is with reach of everyone of us ready to embark upon this facinating and rewarding quest to "discover meditation"
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