1:11 “Memory is returning the mind to the past.” This could also be phrased, “Memory does not allow the mind to escape from the past.”
Without memory, we will not learn from our past. The past teaches us, but we cannot reside there. We cannot change the past, but sometimes we allow past mistakes to haunt us.
We all have regrets about the past, but we must live for now. Otherwise, we will miss the present, which quickly shapes the future. When past mistakes are a heavy burden, we must do our best to compensate anyone who has been wronged.
1:12 “Control of the mind is achieved through practice and non-attachment.”
Controlling our thought streams can be achieved through the practice of meditation and Yoga, but non-attachment is very difficult to accomplish.
Even if we are able to shed consumerism, can any of us approach life without a private agenda? Yet, Patanjali seems to indicate that Yoga is a gateway to freedom from attachment. As Yoga has flourished worldwide, we are becoming aware that his insight is true.
1:13 “Practice is the constant endeavor to steady the mind.”
When Patanjali mentions “practice,” he is referring to the practice of Yoga. It could also be said that a steady mind creates a state of freedom from within. There is much more to Yoga than physical prowess, but it takes time and constant practice to see it.
1:14 “This practice of Yoga is built, with devotion and commitment, over a lengthy time period.”
Many Yoga teachers see students with potential come and go. The same thing happens in any pursuit which requires commitment.
In comparison, martial arts students are not considered serious practitioners until they have practiced diligently for about ten years. With so much to learn, and life being so short, the same can be easily said for Yoga.
1:15 “Freedom from the desire of seen, or unseen, objects and power, will result in a higher a state of consciousness.”
We spend our time working and praying for earthly objects. Some of us plot for power and material – while some of us spend the day visualizing our lustful desires. This is normal human consciousness, but it is also a “prison,” which holds us back from the good we can do and our higher purposes in this life.
Desire and attachment have held mankind back since the beginning. You can read it in any scripture, from any religion, and you can see it on your television tonight. Desire and attachment are the cause, or excuse, for countless wars throughout our history.
Yoga practitioners often talk and work toward world peace. This is a noble effort, but we should not be silent about injustice, which stems from desire.
Paul Jerard, E-RYT 500, is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in Attleboro, MA. http://www.riyoga.com He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. To receive a Free e-Book: “Yoga in Practice,” and a Free Yoga Newsletter, please visit: http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html
