Classical Yoga

Here are some other lines from the first chapter (pada) of the sutras.
 For the whole yoga sutra click on link below. 

The resolution of the modifications (thought forms) of the mind-stuff is Yoga.
 
 
Then the Seer (Self) abides in His own nature. 









 



At other times (the Self appears to) assume the forms of the mental modifications. 
They are: 
  
Right Knowledge. 
Misconception. 
Verbal delusion. 
Sleep. 
Memory. 


The sources of right knowledge are: 
  
Direct perception. 
Inference. 
Scriptual testimony. 


Misconception occurs when knowledge of something is not based upon its true form. 


These mental modifications are restrained by practice and non-attachment. 


Of these two, effort toward steadiness of mind is practice. 


Practice becomes firmly grounded when well attended to for a long time, 
without break and in all earnestness. 



To the keen and intent practitioner this (samadhi) comes very quickly. 

The time necessary for success further depends 
on whether the practice is mild, medium, or intense. 


Or (samadhi is attained) by devotion with total dedication to God (Isvara). 


  

Isvara is the supreme Purusha,  
unaffected by any afflictions, actions, 
fruits of actions or by any inner impressions of desires. 


In Him is the complete manifestation of the seed of omniscience. 
Unconditioned by time, He is the teacher of even the most ancient teachers. 



  
 
The practice of concentration on a single subject
  is the best way to prevent the obstacles and their accompaniments. 


By cultivating attitudes of: 
  
Friendliness toward the happy 
Compassion for the unhappy 
Delight in the virtuous 
And disregard toward the wicked 
the mind-stuff retains its undisturbed calmness.
 
 
Or that calm is retainded by the 
controlled exhalation or retention of the breath. 


Or the concentration on subtle sense perception 
can cause steadiness of mind. 


Or by concentrating on the supreme, 
everblissful Light within. 


Or by concentrating on a great soul's mind 
which is totally freed from attachment to sense objects. 



Or by meditating on anything one chooses that is elavating. 


Gradually, one's mastery in concentration 
extends from the primal atom to the greatest magnitude. 


Just as the naturally pure crystal assumes 
shapes and colors of objects placed near it, 
so the Yogi's mind, 
with its totally weakened modifications, 
becomes clear and balanced 
and attains the state devoid of 
differentation between knower, knowable and knowledge. 
This culmination of meditation is samadhi. 



 
In the purity of nirvichara samadhi, the supreme Self shines. 
This is the absolute true consciousness. 
This special truth is totally different from knowledge 
gained by hearing, study of scripture or inference.