Reaching for Enlightenment is a Long Term Project

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are divided into four Padas (chapters) and each one has pithy sutras or "threads" of wisdom for us. These compact verses point the way to Enlightenment or some other cool place along the way. Because these verses are so short, MANY commentaries have been published by scholars, teachers and gurus. Take your pick. I have a preference for a few, but my primary mode of study is to use about 10 or 12 and see what the differences are. For several years, my husband and I hosted a study group and we discovered that very lively discussion can arise because there is SO much room for interpretation. 

In the preface of his commentary, I K Taimni writes: "The philosophy of Yoga deals with some of the greatest mysteries of life and the Universe and so it must inevitably be associated with an atmosphere of profound mystery." It's the mystery of it all that intrigues me and encourages me to look inward for meaning. That "aha" feeling washes over me when I find a juicy bit that is pertinent for where I am in time and space.

And here's the kicker: Taimni also states: "For there is no subject which is so much wrapped up in mystery and on which one can write whatever one likes without any risk of being proved wrong". YAY!
We can discover our own meaning and no one can say it's "wrong"........not teachers, friends, fellow students, NO ONE. Whatever you discover is right for you and that's what counts. Feel that relief? That's the taste of Freedom. 

Next week: Our first group of sutras from Pada (Chapter) One