Book 1 Sutra 2
The translation:
Yogah – union
Citta – consciousness
Vritta state of mind, fluctuations of mind
Nirodhah – obstruction, stoppage
The Sutra:
“Yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness”
Iyengar’s explanation paraphrased:
The main objective of practicing yoga is to train the body to follow the mind and the mind to focus on God. However, this is a challenging task for most because unlike our Father Christ Jesus we have not been born fully in union and able to hold this single focus due to the constant fluctuation of our mind.
Book 2 of the yoga sutras goes into more detail about this analyzation of contemplative training.
Patanjali through Iyengar’s translation of this sutra, states that in order to help us train our minds to be singly focused on Christ (God) we have to understand ourselves, anatomically, physiologically, mentally, intellectually and in our bliss (our soul level).
What I found the Bible to say:
The Bible talks about our bodies being living sacrifices (Romans 12) “ Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
In Hebrews 10:22 God seeks for us to be pure of heart “ alet us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” The Bible also states that we should not concern ourselves in the things of the flesh but be rich in all things be rich in spirit.
This is complete when stated in Colossians 3“ Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God, when Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
Put to death, therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires and greed, which is idolatry. Because of these, the wrath of God is coming.You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived. But now you must rid yourselves of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, and as you sing psalms, hymns, nd spiritual songs with gratitude in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
Easier said than done, I hope you can agree. Yoga is a tool that brings awareness to our own fluctuations in order to calm the fluctuations of our minds and detach from all things that cause sin to our souls and our flesh.
My conclusion – remember for yourself to weigh all things with God (just as I have and continue to do):
The Bible say’s nothing about yoga, what it is or what it is not, however it does give us repeated warning to still our minds and know God. Therefore, if yoga can help me control my body rather than be controlled by it, and train the fluctuations of my mind away from my own yearnings, worries and fix it on Christ Jesus, it is helping me to be more Christian it continues to help me see all my own ways and agendas and in time surrender them and all of me to Gods will. By my practice this awareness is possible, my my willingness is the sacrificed offered and only by His grace am I lead. Yoga is a practice of offering my body and my mind to God daily in practice for him to wash with His will. I think this sutra and the Bible are in alignment, yoga helps me to let go of my own consciousness and listen to the Holy Spirit’s call, to the best of my ability.
