Sutras I-20-22 Increasing one's focus upon the power and strength of one's practice

Here Patanjali describes the process of moving from ordinary dualistic consciousness, which is attached to overly objective ways of existence into a heart centered interaction in a non-dual way through non-dual realization without falling back to confusion (avidya). This section describes the graduated path of the refinement of consciousness from coarse (vitarka), to devoid of coarse (nirvitarka), to subtle (vicara), to devoid of even the most subtle mental processes (nirvicara), completely devoid of asmita (ego ownership and false identifications) and conceptual fabrications (nirvikalpa) which bridges the yogi into non-dual, transcognitive, and transpersonal relationships activating the intrinsic light of wisdom. Hence the last sutra of Samadhi Pada describes nirbija samadhi, the ultimate crown of yoga as union without any falling back into samsara. This is taught to happen in Now awareness. HERE in this very life-forever.

For beginners, it is suggested just to read the sutra translation through once from beginning to end. The commentary is not necessary, but can serve to clear up doubts. Thus the reader is encouraged not to be daunted by the size of the commentary, as it is intended for various practitioners at various stages of their practice. Use the glossary to get the feeling for the original purport. Only if the reader feels that they need more, then they may find the commentary to be helpful. The commentary is not necessary to understand the sutras, but yogic practice (sadhana) is an absolute requirement.

So let us begin the Chapter on Samadhi, Samadhi Pada..

The Yoga Sutras begin by Patanjali breaking the silence -- the roar of the great stillness, so to speak, to tell us how the universal flux of pure consciousness and pure beingness becomes corrupted, fragmented, restricted, rigidified, distorted, limited, and oppressed (by the action of vrtti -- causing one to experience the vagaries of cit) -- and about the path called yoga, which leads us back into open direct communion, integration, boundless wholeness, and complete wholesome fulfillment - to our self luminous core/heart center, which is the heart of hearts (hridayam) -- into our eternal home once again -- back into sacred synchronicity, which intimately connects us to our true authentic, universal, transpersonal self and timeless source.