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Tatah then, from that Parama the highest vasyata subdued, controlled, governed indnyanam of the senses Pratyahara results in the absolute control of the sense organs. The effect of pratyahara is felt when the senses are mastered, and the mind is mature and fervent for its spiritual quest. When the senses have ceased to pursue after pleasures obtained from the phenomenal world, they can be yoked to serve the soul. Sadhana pada instructs the sadhaka how to study his own weaknesses in every domain - moral, physical, physiological and intellectual - and how to eradicate them, since they are not contributory to yogic discipline and spiritual emancipation. Yama germinates the art of living in society honestly; niyama, that of cleansing one's impurities. Asana eradicates physical and mental disturbances, and pranayama maintains harmony and prevents dissipation of the flow of vital energy, making the mind a fit instrument for meditation. Pratyahara sublimates both senses and mind. Thus ends the external quest (bahirahga sadhana). Now the sadhaka crosses the threshold of the internal quest (antarahga sadhana) of yoga. Here ends the exposition on sadhana, the second pada of Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. In this pada Patanjali speaks of the properties of yoga and the art of assimilation (samyama) through concentration, meditation and profound absorption. |
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