American Sanskrit Institute

American Sanskrit Institute Only with a clear chart is it really possible to journey from the world of physical elements and senses to the subtle - allowing one's citta (consciousness) to be defined by subtle energies of unrecognizable form. This course draws from all four chapters of the Yoga Sutras to create a precise mapping of the stages of m...editation.

It centers on the mastery of the elements meditation (bhUta-jaya) from the end of the 3rd pada. This practice provides a practical application of the entire perspective described in the yoga sutras along with abundant insights from individual sutras throughout the four chapters.

In this approach, the sutras themselves become the shapers of the meditative experience. They brilliantly describe the function of descriptive language (savitarka/savicAra) as the means to one stage of samAdhi and the relinquishing of language (nirvitarka/nirvicAra) as the means to the next. Ultimately the surrendering of the individual citta to Ishvara (Ishvara-pranidhAna) is the choice and OM - the praNava the means as that which shapes citta for its final resolution, and ending (hAnam) of avidyA, the ignorance that perpetuates suffering.