Part 7 Yoga Sutras Chapter 1 verses 9-12

In this recording from a series of lectures on the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Ryan Kurczak explains sutra 9-12.

According to the Yoga Sutras there are five kinds of transformations that modify mind and awareness and that can be restrained, weakened and removed by meditation and dispassionate nonattachment. In this recording Ryan focuses on delusion, sleep and memory and how we can work with these transformations in our yoga practice.

One aspect of yoga practice is learning to be fearless, and that is possible by examining our delusions and illusions. When we transcend our fears, we can realize that we are a part of the one field of existence which is supportive of our intention to wake up. If we hold that intention we eventually move through the delusions and illusions and find that we are awake.

Ryan connects memory and karma. Our karma is the tendencies and habits we bring from past lives and that we will continue in this lifetime. Yoga practice is about living effectively, and in order to do that we need to stop defining ourselves through past experiences and not use memories as excuses to repeat a behavior that is not expedient. By acting differently now is how we can change our future experiences.

The discussion on yogic sleep from part 4 and 5 of this series continues.

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/