The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are a seminal text in yogic philosophy, composed of 196 aphorisms that guide the reader through the principles and practices of yoga. The text synthesizes various traditions, including Samkhya, Abhidharma Buddhism, and ancient ascetic practices. It describes the eight limbs of yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana, and samadhi) as the means to achieve a state of consciousness free from active or discursive thought, leading to liberation from material suffering and the cycle of birth and death. The sutras emphasize the distinction between Purusha (the Self) and Prakriti (non-self, matter), and the practice of samyama (concentration, meditation, and contemplation) to attain higher consciousness and ultimate freedom[1][3][5].
Thom's annual Australian tour is now underway and we'd love to invite you to participate.. We have a range of tour events scheduled, including free introductory talks and a learn to meditate course for those who are new to Vedic Meditation.
If you've completed a qualified Vedic Meditation course, we invite you to join Tom for knowledge sessions, group meditations and a one-day retreat he has scheduled in Sydney.
Thom is also offering a five-day four-night retreat in Gerringong, south of Sydney, as well as private mentoring sessions throughout the month.
You can find out more about all of these offerings at thomknoles.com/sydney. That's thomknoles.com/sydney.
Detachment is frequently sold as a necessary step for spiritual progress. We’re taught that attachment is often the root of our suffering, so it stands to reason therefore, that detachment will bring about the opposite of suffering.
But as Thom explains in this podcast episode, it’s an understandable yet inaccurate conclusion that actually causes more suffering.
Thom brings clarity to the subject, using the Vedic concept of vairagya, a state of being that allows us to fully enjoy the fruits of life, without the bondage of attachment.
Episode Highlights
[00:45] Maharishi Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras
[02:56] Siddhis - Developing Extraordinary Human Capabilities
[05:36] A Spontaneous State of Non-attachment
[09:48] A Witnessing Phenomenon
[12:55] A Consequence of the Practice of Vedic Meditation
[16:23] An Indication of Cosmic Consciousness
[19:08] The Freedom of Spontaneous Non-attachment
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