Part 6 Yoga Sutras Chapter 1 Verse 6-8

In this recording from a series of lectures on the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Ryan Kurczak explains sutra 6-8 and recapitulates sutra 2 and 3.

The Yoga Sutras is a formula to experience enlightenment. The purpose of the Yoga Sutras is Samadhi, the oneness state which is the goal of all yoga. Samadhi is experienced when all the changes in our mind and consciousness cease and we are aware of ourselves as the eternal, free, serene, whole and enlightened being that is our true nature. In meditation we learn to detach from what we think we are and reattach to what we really are, an eternal changeless being.

The main things that keep us bound in the wheel of reincarnation are the processes that occur when valid knowledge is acquired, illusion, delusions, sleep and memory. We can acquire valid knowledge through direct perception, inference as the result of observation, and learning form others who are knowledgeable. Ryan explains the three ways to acquire valid knowledge with helpful examples and he clarifies that one of the most overlooked practices of yoga is that to identify and uproot all the illusions we have in our mind so that we can live effectively, grow spiritually and wake up.

Recorded in 2009 at the first “Yogic Scriptures and Meditation Group” hosted by the Asheville Yoga Center. Presented by Ryan Kurczak, Kriya Yoga teacher authorized by Roy Eugene Davis, a direct disciple of Paramahansa Yogananda.

A deeper discussion of the Yoga Sutras can be found here: https://kriyayogaonline.com/downloadable-courses/kriya-yoga-sutras-26-hour-meditation-training-course/