Religious Scholar

Two other assertions involve the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, the seminal yoga text. The statement was made that mind is the greatest obstacle to yoga development, specifically meditation and the states that arise from it. This is not exactly what Patanjali says. He uses the Sanskrit word, vritti, which refers to the waves or ripples or vibrations of the mind, not to Mind itself. Mind itself is the pure mirror, the pure lake undisturbed by turbulence. Meditation stills the seemingly uncontrollable movement of these waves allowing us to see through Mind into Truth. Meditation is not mindlessness, but true mindfulness.

The second assertion regarding Patanjali involves yoga postures. Most people in the West equate these postures, or asanas, with the totality of Yoga, which is incorrect. The assertion was made that the student must master the postures first before proceeding to meditation and enlightenment. This is not what Patanjali says. In fact, among all his sutras (teachings), there is only one short sentence about asanas.  It is often translated, "You must have good posture." So clearly, at least according to this first text of Yoga, the many complex and often uncomfortable postures assumed by students, while they may have many benefits, are not indispensible to spiritual development.

As for sexuality, we need more research into the link between sensual desire and spiritual hunger, even asking whether the spiritual quest is as keen in those who have transcended the unsettling sensuality of their youth. An interesting topic for another time.

Once again, Teacher, thank you for making us think and challenge our own assumptions and to follow the questioning path that leads to understanding.