YOGABHARATI

  Sage Patanjali in this Yoga sutras has explained this concept of Pratipaksha bhavanam in the Sadhana Pada.  ‘ वितर्कभाधने प्रतिपक्षभावनम् ‘ | PYS 2.33 Pratipaksha bhavanam is to cultivate a positive thought, every time the mind is disturbed by negative emotions or thought. For this, we have to be aware and be mindful. Pratipaksha means opposite and Bhavana means emotions. When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite [positive] ones should be thought of. This is pratipaksha bhavavanam.  He further states that ‘ वितर्का हिंसादयः कृतकारितानुमोदिता लोभक्रोधमोहपूर्वका मृदुमध्याधिमात्रा दुःखाज्ञानानन्तफला इति प्रतिपक्षभावनम’ | PYS 2.34 Improper thoughts,(and actions) such as those of violence etc., whether committed physically or caused to be done or abetted, and improper emotions, caused by greed, anger or delusion, present in mild, medium or intense degrees, result in endless pain and ignorance. Hence, there is the necessity of cultivating the opposites.  Let us see t...

Dr Subrahmanyam ji talk on this text for the YB Seminar A short summary The talk starts with understanding the meaning of stress, and how easily we get into the mode of stress . We can plan prior for any situation that we will face, but there is an element that is not under our control that may change the situation. When such a change happens and the situation turns out to be an unexpected one, that is when stress is triggered. By being in such a state of distress, we create distress around us as well. For example, we may book tickets well in advance, plan out our journey and be on time to the station in order to board the train, but due to unforeseen circumstances if the train is delayed, how do we respond to such an unexpected change? many at times, we see ourselves reacting to this unexpected change. We may vent out our disappointment to our close relatives, friends or even some passer by. In these instances, we are indeed stressed! Beware, this state of stress is also infec...

  Patanjali divides all human activities into four different areas. It is a very wise, beautiful division showing the four ways we function - Sukha Duhkha Punya Apunya These are the four experiences that we have. What are the postures that we have to take inside? What is "The inner posture" ? Wherever there is sukha as an experience, it could be that I experience sukha or I see someone else experiencing sukha. The same thing with dukkha- either for others or for myself but I get the experience. The third is punya. I see someone doing something good or I feel the need to do some good. Apunya- Patanjali does not use the word paapa or sin but uses the word apunya, which is itself a very interesting concept. There is no thought or concept of sin but that which is not a virtue and any activity that is not virtuous is termed as apunya.  While undergoing these four situations, what is the psychological posture that we should take? A very important aspect is what is occurring outside...