Sutra 53
The mind also becomes fit for concentration.
This refers to Dharana the sixth limb in Yoga’s 8 limb path. After we have mastered self-control (discipline) through self-study (acknowledgment and repentance), Patanjali and Iyengar say we have more zeal to proceed to samadhi.
The Bible says to concentrate on God only. So if pranayama helps me concentrate on God in everything I do, then I am all for it. Truly, I am distracted, however, I am feeling more blessed each time I call myself back to Godly concentration and contemplation. The Bible agrees with being self-disciplined and looking at yourself with an aware eye (self-study) as well as concentrating on God. Therefore I think this sutra and the Bible agree. Here is Romans 2: 1-4 and a great reminder of how important it is to study our own ways. Before this passage, Paul is telling us how God has made his ways very clear from the beginning of time…
Romans 2
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you toward repentance?
