The Ohio State University School Of Physical Activity And Ed

The Ohio State Universityschool Of Physical Activity And Educational

The Ohio State University School of Physical Activity and Educational Services EDU PAES 195.01 – Yoga 1 (1 credit) Instructor: Elizabeth Miller, [email protected]

Reflect on the teachings from the Yoga Sutra 1:2 – "yogas citta vritti nirodhah," which means "yoga is the cessation of the modifications of the mind." Discuss the meaning of this sutra, including how controlling the mental fluctuations relates to the goal of yoga, and explore your understanding of the nature of the mind as described by Patanjali and the commentators.

Additionally, reflect on the excerpt from Amrit Yoga & the Yoga Sutras by Yogi Amrit Desai regarding the concept of santosha (contentment). Explain how santosha contributes to inner happiness and peace, and analyze its role in the practice of yoga and in everyday life. Discuss how attaining contentment influences our perception of ourselves and the world, and the importance of present-moment awareness, trust, and fearlessness in achieving this state.

Paper For Above instruction

Yoga, as expounded in the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, is fundamentally about achieving mental tranquility by ceasing the fluctuations or modifications of the mind (vrittis). The sutra "yogas citta vritti nirodhah" succinctly encapsulates the core aim of yoga: to quiet the incessant chatter, distractions, and restless movements within the mind in order to realize a state of inner stillness and self-awareness. This process involves controlling or calming the myriad mental activities, which agitates the mind and prevents us from experiencing pure consciousness. When these modifications are subdued, the practitioner attains a state of profound peace, clarity, and union with the true Self.

Understanding the nature of the mind as outlined by Patanjali and commentators reveals that the mind comprises different levels and functions: the ego or ahamkara, the intellect or buddhi, and the desiring aspect or manas. The ego acts as the sense of identity, the intellect discriminates and makes decisions, and the manas engages with sensory experiences, desires, and attachments. These components operate rapidly and in concert, creating the constant ripple or vritti that disturbs inner peace. For example, an ordinary moment of noticing a pleasant smell triggers a cascade of mental modifications—discrimination about the smell, emotional reactions, desires—to fulfill a wish for cheese, which momentarily disrupts the tranquil state of mind. The practice of yoga aims to regulate and eventually transcend these fluctuations, fostering equanimity and self-mastery.

The external world, as illustrated through psychological and philosophical reflections, is a projection of the mind's perceptions and values. Our interpretation of external events colors our experience and emotional responses—our relationship with reality is mediated by mental modifications. For instance, a stranger perceived as threatening can transform into a beloved family member with a simple shift in mental perspective, demonstrating that external circumstances are secondary to our internal attitude. This insight underscores that true liberation or bondage hinges upon our mental state, not external conditions. Our perceptions and emotional reactions are shaped by the modifications of our mind, which can either imprison us or free us depending on our mastery over them (Sri Swami Satchidananda, 1978).

Complementing the goal of mental control is the concept of santosha, as highlighted in Desai’s reflection on contentment. Santosha, or contentment, is a state of complete inner satisfaction that persists despite external circumstances. It arises from an objective, impersonal stance—remaining a changeless witness amid the oscillations of duality—joy and sorrow, success and failure. The metaphor of the ocean accepting all waters, whether still or rushing, captures the essence of santosha: embracing life's dualities without attachment or aversion. Achieving santosha involves detaching from personal fears and addictions, recognizing that external achievements cannot fill the inner void, which fundamentally stems from ignorance of the true Self. Rather than seeking fulfillment externally, one learns to cultivate a stable, present-centered awareness that does not depend on external validation (Yogi Amrit Desai, 1998).

The transformative power of santosha lies in fostering an equanimous state, enabling an individual to be fully present, fearless, and trusting. When contentment is rooted in the awareness of the Self—rather than transient possessions or accomplishments—it becomes a source of resilience and grace. This inner serenity allows us to see beyond superficial judgments and embrace life’s ebb and flow with openness and compassion. As Desai emphasizes, being present is not a passive waiting but an active engagement rooted in trust and fearlessness—qualities essential for true peace. Practicing santosha reduces the tendency to seek happiness through external acquisitions, recognizing that genuine contentment resides within, in the awareness of the Self’s eternal presence.

The integration of mental control and contentment completes the yogic path. Controlling the vrittis through disciplined practice leads to mental clarity, while cultivating santosha grounds the practitioner in peace and acceptance regardless of external conditions. Together, these principles guide us toward liberation—freedom from internal turbulence and the ability to experience life with profound joy, compassion, and equanimity. Such inner peace facilitates our service to others, as genuine compassion emerges naturally when we are rooted in a contented and stable Self. Achieving this involves present-moment awareness, trust in the natural flow of life, and the courage to face life’s challenges without fear or attachment.

In conclusion, Patanjali's sutra directs us to master the mind to realize yoga’s ultimate goal: a boundless state of inner peace and union with our true Self. The practice of santosha further reinforces this journey by fostering a deep sense of contentment and presence. Both teachings highlight that liberation and happiness are states rooted within, attainable through disciplined mental control and inner acceptance. Living with such awareness transforms our perception of reality, allowing us to navigate life’s dualities with grace, love, and equanimity, thus fulfilling the true purpose of yoga.

References

• Satchidananda, Sri Swami (1978). The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. Integral Yoga Publications.
• Desai, Yogi Amrit (1998). Amrit Yoga & the Yoga Sutras. Ananda Publications.
• Vallabha, Swami. (2015). The Philosophy of Yoga. Yoga Publications Trust.
• Feuerstein, Georg (2003). The Yoga Tradition. Hohm Press.
• Iyengar, B.K.S. (1966). Light on Yoga. Schocken Books.
• Kriyananda, Swami. (2000). The Path of Yoga. Crystal Clarity Publishers.
• Ramaswamy, Swami. (2014). The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice. Inner Traditions.
• Wilber, Ken (2000). A Theory of Everything. Shambhala Publications.
• Adyashanti (2019). The Truth Beyond the Self. Sounds True.
• The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (Translation and Commentary). (2012). Sri Swami Satchidananda (translator). Integral Yoga Publications.