All quotations from The Textbook of Yoga Psychology by Shri Brahmananda Sarasvati except where noted
I.1
Atha Yoga Nushasanam
This is Yoga as I have observed it in the natural world.
I.2
Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodhah
When you stop identifying with your thoughts, fluctuations of mind, then there is Yoga, identity with Self, which is Samadhi.
Yoga is samadhi, union, and identity with Purusa, Brahman. Samadhi is realized after absolute concentration.
I.12
Abhyasa Vairagyabhyam Tannirodhah
The restriction of modifications of chittam is by means of practice and detachment. By practice of concentration, contemplation, and meditation… The storehouse of all karmas of past and present is in mindstuff. These karmas construct personality accordingly. In addition to these karmic forces, the influence of cosmic forces operating in mindstuff is so mighty and so subtle that it disturbs and distracts the mindstuff of even a highly learned, well-disciplined person…
I.20
Shraddha Virya Smriti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresam
Yogins obtain Upaya Pratyaya Asamprajnata Samadhi by means of self-confidence, self-discipline, self-security, tremendous enthusiasm and energy, constant attentivenes and vigilance, regular practice of samadhi – concentration, contemplation, and meditation – and by Self-analysis and Self-knowledge.
Faith must be there – or at least courage.
You must be strong, and you should have a good memory of all the mistakes you have made and the lessons you?ve learned so as not to fall back into the worldly rut again.
-Sri Swami Satchidananda
I.23
Ishwara Pranidhanad Va
By giving your life and identity to God you attain the Identity of God.
This identity is not possible without complete self-surrender of the individual personality which is the seat of the ego, pride, lust, and desire. By meditation on Ishwara with utmost devotion, love, and knowledge, self-consciousness is elevated and in the light of Ishwara, mindstuff of a meditator is enlightened.
I.27
Tasya Vachakah Pranavah
God is Om.
Om (Aum) consists of three letters. The syllable is representative of three sounds: a, u, and m. “A” represents manifestation, “u” represents maintenance, and “m” represents dissolution. It is also called nadam because it is the supreme music present everywhere eternally…The entire universe is penetrated by this supreme music. In an individual it is manifested as a ringing sound in one?s head. By meditating on it, yogins feel increase in intensity and volume and ultimately they realize that the entire universe is vibrating in nadam.
I.28
Tajjapas Tad Artha Bhavanam
One should repeat Om vocally and mentally and should focus one’s attention on listening within the center of the head, ajna chakram.
Chanting is the highest breathing exercise.
When one enters samadhi one conquers all tiredness, mental and phsycial diseases are removed, and one becomes pure and new.
I.31
Duhkha Daurmanasya Angameja Yatva Shvasa Prashvasa Viksepa Sahabhuvah
Concentration brings perfect peace to mind by removing mental and physical disease if they are hidden in one’s body. One should not worry about disease if it appears. One should rather be happy because it is passing away. One should continue to practice more vigorously if any disease symptoms appear. Repetition of Om and self-surrender to Ishwara will strengthen mindstuff to overcome disease and will bring spiritual energy.
I.33
Maitri Karuna Mudito Peksanam Sukha Duhkha Punya Apunya Visayanam Bhavanatash Chitta Prasadanam
By cultivation of feelings of friendship and fellowship toward those who are happy, by great compassion and love toward those who are unhappy and suffering… a yogin should attain undisturbed peace and happiness of mindstuff, chittam.
I.47
Nirvichara Vaisharadya Adhyatma Prasadah
The undisturbed and pure flow of consciousness overcomes the active energy of rajas and inertia force of tamas, which otherwise would lead to lower existence.
