As a general rule, I try to finish my current book (Yoga Yajnavalkya) before moving on to another book. But I was hitting an impasse with Yajnavalkya. I had to do something equally productive that excites me. Luckily, the one book I couldn't find free on the internet, I finally found - The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali.

It is my intention to learn from this book and add to my practice. It is not my intention to go deep into the rabbit hole of scholarly / intellectual domain of yoga - I'll leave that to the academics. As far as concepts go, it's enough that I learn the fundamental cornerstones to ground my practice.

If I don't understand an explanation or if I find it lacking, I go to the language A.I.s (ChatGPT4 OpenChat, Bard Google, Bing Microsoft, and Aria Opera) and supplement the information. Thus, what's written here could be an amalgamation.

Classic Yoga Reference
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali have been the classic reference and standard in the practice of Raja Yoga - yoga of the mind (other types of yoga are Hatha Yoga, Jnana Yoga, Karma Yoga and Bhakti Yoga). Beyond asana, this book underscores the importance of ethics/morality (Yama / Niyama) and meditation. In this book, Sri Swami Satchidananda gives his commentary.

Sri Swami Satchidananda (1914-2002) comes from a long established lineage dating back to Shankaracharya (Shankaracharya > Patanjali > Vishwananda > Sivananda Saraswati > Satchidananda). He had many teachers along the way until he met Swami Sivananda who became his guru. He taught Integral Yoga - a holistic synthesis of all of man's aspects (body, mind, spirit, environment, etc.). In other interpretations, Integral Yoga is the synthesis of all the yoga traditions. In 1966, he was invited to the West by pop-culture icon, Peter Max. Satchidananda is best remembered at the Woodstock Festival in 1969 for giving a speech in front of all the hippies in attendance.

Swami Satchidananda at Woodstock

While yoga nowadays is practiced for fitness, the real essence of Raja Yoga is mastery of the mind. This book explores that through the experience of sages, seers and saddhus through milennia.

Sutra translates to 'thread' - thus the sutras are the distilled essence yoga. By itself, it is not comprehensible, thus the commentary of wise men to make it understandable and relevant to people of today. There are less than 200 sutras divided into 4 sections:

4 Sections of the Yoga Sutras.

1. Samadhi Pada - Contemplation, the theory of yoga and description of the most advanced states of Samadhi
2. Sadhana Pada - Practice, doing the practice on the first 5 limbs of yoga
3. Vibhuti Pada - Accomplishments, practice on the last 3 limbs including all powers and accomplishments awaiting the yogi
4. Kaivalya Pada - Absoluteness, discussing yoga from a more cosmic and philosophical point of view

Yoga was already in existence long before Patanjali. But he was the one who codified it into an accessible practice for the masses. The sutras is perhaps the earliest known text on yoga - thus, the Yoga Bible.

There are many books on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras authored by many teachers with their own commentaries. What makes Satchidananda's book unique is that Satchi didn't write this book as a written commentary for publication. This book is a compilation of his lectures and teaching in front of students and disciples, as he answered their questions and inquiries related to Raja Yoga. Thus, the book has a conversational feel with lots of analogies to make the abstract more concrete.

Portion on Contemplation
It's unusual to start this book on Samadhi, when it should be the pinnacle. However, perhaps it sets the goal in mind to establish that at this point.

Accepting pain as help for purification, study of spiritual books and surrender to the Supreme Being constitute Yoga in practice.

(p189) Purification by pain (Tapas)
This means viewing challenges as a means to progress - don't focus on the discomfort but focus on the opportunity to learn. This is Tapas (austerity) where you do something the hard way instead of the easy way to develop toughness and strong mental resolve - tapas is not about self-torture. By enduring pain and hardship, you burn your impurities. We exist in this lifetime in human form to learn lessons specific to our karma. Life throws us a series of tests in order for us to learn these lessons. These tests can consist of hardship, betrayal, desperation, hunger, etc. How we deal with these tests determine if we have learned the lesson. If we fail, we are doomed to be reborn to go through that test again. This becomes a vicious cycle until we get it - just like Groundhog Day.

Another analogy is Super Mario. He tries to reach the end goal but early on, he fails a test and dies. He lives again (reincarnation) to try that test again. When he passes the test, he continues to live, goes on a higher level and is presented a more difficult test which he has to pass (or die and be reborn again). This goes on until he passes all the tests and there are no more tests (self-realization).

Brahmacharya doesn't mean suppress sex - no, because that will fail and turn priests into pedofiles. It means control.

Words can be manifested as tapas too. Words should be truthful, pleasant and beneficial. It shoud bring understanding. (I would like to add that words should also be spoken only when needed. Otherwise, it's best to just listen and understand. And when speaking, talk slowly. Unless needed, don't make it about you - nobody is interested).

Even with a guru, it is still best to keep reading and be educated by sacred text on anything about self-evolution (not just any book). Why? Because the guru cannot teach you everything - and doesn't know everything. Through books, you glean the wisdom of other teachers and develop a profound understanding of the principles of yoga. And once read, try to practice the teachings and read them again - new insights will emerge as your evolution needs it. (This is the same with going to a 10-day Vipassana course. It's the same video tape you listen to, but you always come away with something different that you need to learn. So it's always fresh even after so many sits).

You have to become the living embodiment of the book - don't just become a walking library or a talking head, impressing people with how much you know. In the same way, to fully understand God, you have to become God yourself, otherwise, you only understand him from your limited human bias - you have to transcend the mind, trusting that true knowledge lies beyond the mind. When the mind has been breached, then knowledge becomes experiential...not just concept. And the only thing worthy of being quoted is your experience (not any external reference).

You dissolve your ego and surrender to the bigger forces at play. Cover your bases and do your due diligence but keep humble for divine intervention to make things happen. Oftentimes, your thinking gets in the way of the process. Let go and let divinity do what it's supposed to do.

In doing an act of kindness, you'll know if you did it to stroke your ego. To be selfless, it helps to think, "May this act of kindness make me a worthy creation." Then you no longer think of how great you are.

In practising non-attachment, it helps to see your role as 'trustee' and not 'owner'. So yoga is not just asana but positive thinking/action in difficult times (tapas), pursuit of knowledge (svadhyaha) and subordination to the divine (isvara puja).

Kriya Yoga helps us minimize obstacles and attain samadhi.

(p198) /When Kriya Yoga is practiced (tapas, self-study/reflection, surrender to the divine), all obstacles to samadhi are removed.

Ignorance, egoism, attachment, hatred and clinging to bodily life are the five obstacles (klesas).

(p200) These 5 obstacles to samadhi adhere to the domino-principle - one causes failure to the next. With ignorance, ego comes into play. With ego comes attachment to prop the ego. With attachment comes hatred to anyone who comes in between. And with attachment, you want to live forever to keep it forever after.

1. Ignorance
2. Ego
3. Attachment
4. Aversion
5. Attachment to Life

Ignorance is the field for the others mentioned after it, whether they be dormant, feeble, intercepted or sustained.

(p201) Ignorance comes in 4 levels depending on the person's age and evolution.

1. Dormant - a baby has dormant ignorance because it doesn't know any better. But with maturity, the karmic ignorance of past life will manifest and the baby-turned-adult's apparent nature emerges.
2. Sustained - this is how it is for the general population. Their ignorance is sustained 24/7 because they're not even aware they are ignorant, let alone do something about it. Other times, they might be aware but the mind and body are too weak to say no. e.g. a guy with no girlfriend gets horny. Without pausing, he watches porn and whacks off, leaving soiled sheets.
3. Intercepted - a novice yogi will be bombarded by opportunities for transgression, but will be quick to neutralize them. e.g. a guy with no girlfriend gets horny. He pauses and deliberates if he's going to whack off. Knowing he'll feel 'used' immediately after he ejaculates, he decides not to jerk off and instead, meditates.
4. Feeble - an evolved yogi will keep balance of the mind but the ignorance lies buried or sleeping. It's still there but powerless. e.g. a guy with no girlfriend gets horny. He acknowledges the feeling but does not act on it.
5. *** Tantric Yogi - this is not in the book, but this is perhaps the smartest because he is not only non-ignorant, but finds a clever hack around it. e.g. the Tantric Yogi with no girlfriend gets horny. He actually whacks off, but before coming to the point of no return, stops and performs Maha bandha mudra. He doesn't come. He resumes whacking off again and stops again. He keeps doing that until he's head is about to burst. Then he meditates. The following day, he feels the strength of a raging locomotive.

Ignorance is regarding the impermanent as permanent, the impure as pure, the painful as pleasant and the non-Self as the Self.

(p204) Ignorance being the way it is, is operating on faulty assumptions based on limited human perception.

1. Self and Non-Self - the True Self (Boddhi Citta) is the one that has no birth and no death. The body dies and memories and feelings are lost with it. But the True Self survives the death of the body. The body and everything else that dies, are the Non-Self. But often, due to ignorance, we mistake our body as our True Self - to a point that we think death is the end of us.
   
   Avidya involves identifying oneself with things that are not the true self, such as the physical body, thoughts, or ego. This misperception contributes to a false sense of identity and reinforces the illusion of separateness.

Egoism is the identification, as it were, of the power of the Seer (Puruṣa) with that of the instrument of seeing [body/mind].

(p209) This sutra suggests that egoism, or the sense of "I" and "mine," arises when the consciousness (True Self, Purusa, Seer, ATma, Boddhi Citta) becomes entangled or identified with the experiences and perceptions of the mind and body - happiness, sadness, prosperity, impoverishness. The practice of yoga involves disentangling Consciousness from external perceptions.

e.g. If you are good looking and became a star because of it, you identify yourself as this good looking guy. If you age and become wrinkled, it's very hard to accept this degeneration. It's very hard for the ego to take this. If you don't identify with this, then it's ok to age gracefully - you are unaffected by the aging process.

e.g. If you are intelligent and keep impressing others about your intellect, then you are constantly afraid of someone being smarter than you. You are also constantly afraid of looking stupid. There is so much invested on the ego that it becomes catastrophic to be made to appear dumb.

Attachment is that which follows identification with pleasurable experiences.

(p211) Any desire or longing for something impermanent is attachement - flashy car, fame, wealth, popularity, etc. If it's hard for you to walk away from it, chances are, you are already attached to it. The mind is pulled towards these attachements and it can no longer remain still and focused - it now behaves like a junkie in search of his fix. It reinforces ego by saying, "I love this." The mind becomes entangled with the pleasures of the material world and fears its loss.

This doesn't mean you isolate yourself in a cave. As human beings functioning in the real world, we just need to be vigilant and aware of our attachment - when you own a fancy car, be aware that this car will not last forever. So when someone steals it, you can just say, "Ah that moment has arrived." It's still painful, but you get over it fast. You don't lose the balance of your mind.

Aversion is that which follows identification with painful experiences.

(p211) Aversion is a personal mental/emotional state of avoiding/rejecting/repulsing things, people, events, actions that cause unpleasantness or unhappiness. We develop an aversion to anger, resentment, pain, suffering, loss, fear, etc. It reinforces ego by saying, "I don't like this." As soon as we have this aversion, the balance of the mind is already compromised - thus samadhi is no longer possible. Like attachment, aversion distracts the mind from focus and thereby making samadhi impossible.

Clinging to life, flowing by its own potency [due to past experience], exists even in the wise.

(p214) This isn't so much as love of life as it is of fearing death and change - an aversion. With too much survival instinct in play (prepping, etc.), the mind cannot be still. To overcome this fear of death and fear of the unknown, one must develop a deeper understanding of impermanence. It also helps to understand that death is not the end but simply a transition for the Boddhi Citta to leave the current body and move to the next one - much like changing clothes. Consciousness does not die.

In subtle form, these obstacles can be destroyed by resolving them back into their primal cause [the ego].

(p218) ChatFPT4: These obstacles have their root cause in Ignorance. Through the practice of yoga (self-inquiry, discernment, cultivation of knowledge, tapas, reflection and surrender), then insights into the nature of reality, the true-self, and the interconnectedness of all things are revealed that ultimately dissolve ignorance. This paves the way to samadhi (deep meditative absorption and unification with the divine).

In the active state, thought-forms can be destroyed by meditation

(p219) Author: There are 2 thought-forms:

1. Potential - before they come to the surface and get acted upon. You cannot meditate on its removal. Only when it is active can you act upon it.
2. Manifested - when they are brought to the surface (you haven't acted on it...not yet). Once on the surface, you can observe it (vedania) without reacting. You can trace it down to its origin, which is always ego. When you relinquish ego through awareness, observation and meditation, all these thought forms vanish as well.

The womb of karmas (actions and reactions) has its root in these 5 obstacles, and the karmas bring experiences in the present life or in the future births

(p221) Bad karma is caused by the 5 obstacles to samadhi (ignorance, ego, attachment, craving, and clinging to life). Karma is causality - action (cause) and its result (effect). For every action, there is reaction. For every deed (good or bad), there is a corresponding result (parami or merits for a good deed and 'punishment' for a bad deed). If the corresponding result is not immediately manifested, it doesn't go away. It is stored for future manifestation - therefore, karma is debt you cannot escape. Not even death will break you free of your karma. If you die with unmanifested karma (unpaid debts), you will be reborn to pay for that debt. As you are reborn, you can cause more bad karma so you'll have more karma in the succedding life than in the previous life. The intention is to remove all bad karma.

As you pay your karma, it means you're also learning the lessons you need to learn in your human-life existence, making you a more evolved person. When there is no karma left, you must have already learned everything you needed to learn in your lifetime, thus no more rebirth (arahant). Your existence has served its purpose.

(p226) With the existence of the root (karmic action), there will be fruits (consequences) also: namely, the births of different species of life, their life spans and experiences.

Author: When you get reborn, you may not be born as a human being. If you tried to be cunning in your previous life, you could be born as a fox. If you were a glutton for food, you can be reborn as a pig. Even if it's a step-back from Darwinian evolution, the soul continues to grow and evolve.

ME: Some animals are not sentient. How can they evolve if they're not even self-aware? And really, how can an animal who acts on instinct ever be bad? So this rebirth as an animal doesn't make sense to me. It makes more sense to me that you are born as another human being, somehow being instinctive of your previous life's transgressions, so you can pick up where you left off and re-do life this time, hopefully, learning from your past mistakes so you don't suffer that same karma. My analogy to all this birth and rebirth is Super Mario - he dies so many times, but every incarnation makes him better than the last time, and he goes on living life until he gets realized (no longer being 'killed' in the game).

ChatGPT4: What we are now, is a result of what we did in the previous life. We cannot do anything about that. However, what we do now, determines what our next life will be - and we have full control over that. So, use this life wisely.

(p228) The karmas bear fruits of pleasure and pain caused by merit and demerit.

For good actions, you get rewarded with prosperity, happiness and bliss. For bad deeds, you experience suffering. However you are in the current state, is all your making (even if the cause was a bad deed from a previous life) - no one else. Life is that simple. So, be aware of what you think, what you do and what you say because there will be repercussions - either immediately, later or in the next life.

(p230) To one of discrimination, everything is painful indeed, due to its consequences: the anxiety and fear over losing what is gained; the resulting impressions left in the mind to create renewed cravings; and the constant conflict among the three gunas, which control the mind.

ChatGPT4: This refers to the nature of suffering and the consequences of attachment. Anyone who can discern real/unreal, will see everything in this material world to cause anxiety (for fear of losing something you are attached to), craving (for the temporary sense pleasure it provides and more craving), mental agitation (the gunas or quality shifts and fluctuates - sattvic, tamasic and rajasic).

Thus attachment and craving lead to suffering. Question: What are you attached to?

Author: All experiences in the external world are temporary, no matter how painful or sweet. Attachment brings pain in the long term because you can't have it for all time. Even if you don't lose it, you fear losing it and this fear is also an obstacle to samadhi. It doesn't mean you walk away from the default world. No. If you don't fit into society, don't take refuge in an ashram. Deal with reality. Live life but be aware that anything you have is temporary and will go away. This way, when you do lose them, you still keep the balance of your mind.

(p235) Pain that has not yet come is avoidable.

ChatGPT4: This refers to living in the present moment and cultivating mindfulness to avoid unnecessary suffering associated with future events. Suffering is caused by attachment, craving and fear/worry about the future. But if we stay present and remain equanimous and reflect on the nature of impermanence and detachment, the attachment/craving/fear dissipate and suffering ceases. While suffering begins at the external, the mind amplifies it when it reacts and gets sucked into the game. But by becoming aware, the mind regains equanimity.

ME: Actually, any form of mental agitation is helped by awareness alone. Add breathing and it goes away. At least the mild ones. The very strong fluctuations are more challenging to neutralize.

(p236) The cause of that avoidable pain is the union of the Seer (Purusa) and the Seen (Prakrti or Nature).

Author: Suffering is caused when the Seer identifies with the Seen - when the Observer thinks he is what he observes (he sees his jacked body in a mirror and he basks in his muscularity,"I am beautiful" instead of "this body is beautiful"). The observer is Consciousness and the observed is everything else.

Google Bard: There should be a stronger emphasis to actively disengage the entanglement of the consciousness and the material world as this is the root cause of suffering. Examples:

1. Observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment - when something pisses you off (barking dogs, garbage burning), instead of reacting, pause and observe your thoughts as they arise without changing or suppressing them - just observe.

2. Disconnect from external stimuli - in the default world can be a dysfunctional society with all its lights, noise and chaos. Step back from all of that - do an detox on social media, go to nature, meditate.

3. Cultivate a sense of equanimity - go to a place where it's noisy and chaotic. In the middle of all that, try to observe what's around you while keeping calm and balanced. By remaining non-reactive, you realize you have power over all these aberrations.

4. Engage in selfless service - volunteer in a clean-up drive, soup kitchen, or bring a sack and collect garbage. With selfless service, you don't make it about you. Your suffering becomes less important.

5. Remember your true nature - constantly remind yourself that you are not the body, the senses and the feeling. You are timeless and eternal - you are consciousness.

(p238) The seen is of the nature of the gunas: illumination, activity and inertia; and consists of the elements and sense organs, whose purpose is to provide both experiences and liberation to the Purusa.

Author: The Seen (the observed, the material world) gives us our human experience. But what exactly is the Seen? The Seen is made up of the 5 elements, the qualities of nature, our senses. We experience them altogether as life and we react to it. But all of life is just a passing show - we observe and learn without being sucked into it.

ChatGPT4: This elaborates on what make up the external world. This external world (Prakrti, Nature, observed, illusion) is a manifestation of the 5 elements, the 5 perception senses, and the qualities inherent in nature. These elements interact and give rise to various forms and manifestations in the external world. As our sensory organs (nose, eyes, tongue, ear, flesh) interact with these forms, we get experience. The world is there for us to experience and learn from life. The external world is also the means to liberation - through the lessons we learn, we ultimately liberate ourselves. So, without the external world, no experience is gained, no lesson is learned and no liberation takes place.

ME: The Seen that gives us the human experience happens because we need to learn something in this lifetime - that is our purpose. We are not here to just occupy space. You have a different life experience from the other guy because the lessons you need to learn are unique to you. When you learn these lessons, you'll be reborn to learn other lessons. When you learn all these lessons, then your existence already served its purpose and there is no more reason for a rebirth. Again, it's like Super Mario - you keep dying and keep getting reborn, going through the same hurdles until you reach the ultimate destination.

(p250) The stages of the gunas are specific, non-specific, defined and undefinable.

Author: Nature (the Seen, observed, material world, illusion) is categorized into 4 stages:

1. Manifested - nature is manifested as gross, physical objects which we can hear, feel, see, touch, smell and taste. E.g. seeing the physical flower
2. More developed - nature forms into the subtle senses, buddhi and mind. E,g, not seeing the flower, but smelling it
3. Slightly manifested - nature is defined. E,g, subtle perception allows us to see the emanating force of the flower
4. Unmanifested - nature is static and has no definition. E,g, seeing the aura of the flower

ChatGPT4: (ME: here, ChatGPT4 presents a very different interpretation of this sutra. But this is quite powerful and presents a clear distinction between Purusa (consciousness) and Prakrti (the material world)) This sutra elaborates on the qualities of nature (gunas) and what make them up. All of creation have 3 inherent qualities to it - sattvic (clarity), rajasic (action) and tamasic (inert). These Gunas manifest in various ways to influence the Element, Sense Objects and Sense Organs.

3 Gunas (3 qualities inherent in nature)

1. Sattvic (purity, harmony, and knowledge) Imagine a placid lake in the wilderness - this has the Sattvic quality. This Guna (Sattvic guna) influences the elements (earth, wind, space and water) by harmonizing them. The Sense Objects (trees, lake, wildlife) live in harmony in this ecosystem. Now, our sense organs experience this nature and instill a calmness in the beholder.
2. Rajasic (activity, desire, and passion) This is action and kinetic in nature. Imagine being in a busy city setting with its dynamic energy, movement and activies. This influence the sense objects to be streets, lights, cars, billboards. Our sensory organs interact with this energy and leaves us stressed and exhausted.
3. Tamasic (inertia, darkness, and ignorance) This is inert, energy being on-hold. Imagine a quiet and dimly lit room used for sleeping and resting. The sense objects are soft comfy pillows, sofa and lounge furniture. Our senses interact with these by taking rest and recovery.

The 3 Gunas influence the following:

1. Elements (Linga) - these are the 5 elements that make up nature or reality as we experience it: fire, air, ether, earth, water. Gunas influence these elements
2. Sense Organs (Matra) - these are the 5 perception organs (sight, hearing, touch, taste, and smell) that help us make sense of the world
3. Sense Objects (Alingani) - these are the object of perception that the senses interact with. e.g. chocolate and we experience it with our sense of taste. It's pleasant, then we develop a craving, "I want chocolates".

By being aware and understanding how these Gunas influence the fluctuations of our sensory perception and experience of the default world, we develop a better sense of separation or the existing duality (that we are not what we identified ourselves with). This helps us transcend this external world and achieve a higher state of consciousness.

This Yoga sutra is aligned along the Samkhya philosophy (one of the 6 classical schools of Hindu philosophy)which presents that the universe as a interplay between two fundamental principles: Purusha (pure consciousness), and Prakriti (material world) with its qualities (Gunas) of clarity, activity, and inertia. It explains how the world evolves from the interaction of these principles (gunas, 5 sensory perceptions [+ ego, mind, intellect, cosmic existence], sense objects, 5 elements) and emphasizes that understanding this distinction leads to liberation. Samkhya is closely linked with Yoga, collectively known as Samkhya-Yoga, which combines philosophical insights (Samkhya) with practical techniques (Yoga) for spiritual growth and self-realization.

(p252) The Seer is nothing but the power of seeing which, although pure, appears to see through the mind.

Author: The previous sutra talked about the Seen. In this sutra, the Seer is discussed. When the mind gains medical knowledge, it wants to be a doctor - this is how the Seer is sucked into the mind's world and begins to identify with the mind. Yoga aids in making the distinction that the Seer can break-away from its tether. E.g. instead of condemning sinners, yoga helps in seeing sinners as tomorrow's saints, that everyone was also a sinner at one point. This allows the Seer to escape the clutches of the mind.

ChatGPT4:
"The Seer is pure vision; even though pure, it looks through the (mind's) ideas."

This sutra continues to explore the relationship between the Seer (Purusha, True self, Consciousness, Observer) and what is Seen (Prakriti, external world, including the mind). The Seer is distinct from the mind. The Seer sees reality as it is - it is not influenced by worldly experiences. The Seer is pure, eternal and unchanging. However, as pure as it is, the Seer is engaged with the experience of the mind. Thus, the Seer sees reality through the mental constructs of the mind - not reality as it really is. The Seer plays 2 roles - one as unchanging/pure, and the other one, largely influenced by what the mind experiences.

When the Seer realizes that it is dancing with the mind and then maintains a detached awareness, observing the activities of the mind without being entangled or identified with them, when it realizes the distinction between the unchanging Seer and the changing phenomena of the mind, then the Seer is aligned back to its true nature, leading to self-realization and liberation.

ME: Getting the Seer to rise up above the mental fluctuation is really hard because the Seer experiences reality through the mind. The Seer must remain aware while being inside the mind which means constant awareness. This is very difficult.

(p254) The seen exists only for the sake of the Seer.

Author: The Seer appears to be experiencing the fluctuation of the mind because that's how we see it from our human perspective. But the truth is, the Seer is simply the witness to what the mind is experiencing.

ME: The material world (Seen) is dormant without the interaction of consciousness (Seer). It is that interaction that gives us the human experience from which to learn the lessons we need to learn in this lifetime. It's up to us to be vigilant not to be caught up on the fluctuations of the mind so that consciousness remains unaffected by the mind.

(p256) Although destroyed for one who has attained liberation, the Seen still exists for others, being common to them.

Author: To one who is evolved, he understands the illusion of reality and impermanence of achievement. A beauty queen so becomes wrinkled. A rich man can suffer losses and become poor. These are all fluctuations a yogi realizes and becomes aware of. But before the yogi becomes realized, he has to do his fair share of living life and learning from it. You have to face your fear or be reborn reliving that fear...until you finally get it.

ChatGPT4:
"What has been accomplished is lost when its purpose is fulfilled ; what has not been accomplished is not lost. It is common to all."

This sutra addresses the nature of attachments and desires, highlighting the impermanence of fulfillment and the enduring nature of that which remains unfulfilled. When a desire has been fulfilled, the sense of achievement is temporary and soon fades away. For unfulfilled desires, the longing continues.

E.g. When you gain a much coveted promotion, you feel elated and gains a sense of heightened self-worth. But after a while, this feeling fades away since this now becomes the new normal. So this feeling of exhilaration does not last. Better to put your bet on something permanent...like reaching new heights in yoga. However, if you don't achieve your goal, you will remain motivated.

(p260) The union of the Owner (Purusa) and Owned (Prakrti) causes the recognition of the nature and powers them both.

Author: It is through the interaction of the Seer with the Seen that the Seer realizes its true nature. The Seer needs this interaction and experience to realize itself because the Seer alone cannot achieve this. By itself, the Seen is dormant. But together, they perform a dance.

ChatGPT4:
"The union between the Seer and the Seen is the means of realizing one's true nature."

Self-realization happens when the Seer engages with the Seen and the Seer sees that it is timeless and spaceless while the Seen is a temporary illusion.

ME: Again, I go back to my position that the Seer needs to interact with the Seen for its human experience to learn whatever lessons need to be learned. This will not happen in the vacuum of non-interaction.

(p261) The cause of the Observer/Observed union is ignorance

Author: Ignorance is a late realization by the Observer. After havng united with the Observed, it realizes that it is sucked into the world of illusion (Maya) and snaps out of it. Thus there was ignorance for the union to take place in the first place.

ChatGPT4: The Observer (Purusha, consciousness, True Self) is caught in this cycle of birth, death and rebirth (Samsara) because of Ignorance (lack of true knowledge about the nature of reality, particularly the misidentification of the True Self with the fluctuations of the mind and the material world).

ME: Instead of calling it 'ignorance', I would simply call the union a 'process that needed to take place'. Again, I restate my position that the Observer needs to interact with the Observed for the human experience to take place, and thus learn the lessons that need to be learned for self-realization to happen. True, to someone who doesn't know any better (someone who lived a normal life toiling the 9-5 job and looking after family without any kind of spiritual awakening) this union (Consciousness mired in the default world) is a rite of passage that happens unbeknownst to the Observer - if you want to call that ígnorance. But after the realization, the Observer realizes it is much bigger than the Observed and thus breaks away from the union.

(p263) Without this ignorance, no such union occurs. This is the independence of the Seer.

Author: As soon as ignorance is lifted, Purusha (Conciousness, Seer, Observer, True Self) reverts back to its true nature, unshackled by the fluctuation of mind and the world. Everything we experience is mental, no matter how painful, joyful or real. When the mind is shifted from its focus of pain, we don't feel the pain. E.g. You were pissed because you lost your watch. Then you heard your friend died. Suddenly, you are overcome with grief - you forgot that you were pissed. Same thing with the lifting of ignorance...the mental fluctuation dimishes in its intensity.

ChatGPT4:
"By the absence of ignorance, the conjunction of the seer and the seen does not exist, and ignorance is dissolved; this is the isolation of the seer."

This emphasizes the profound impact of eliminating ignorance (avidya) through the practice of yoga. Ignorance is seen as the root cause of the union or entanglement of the seer (the true self or Purusha) with the fluctuations of the mind and the material world. Through the removal of this ignorance, the seer attains isolation or liberation, experiencing a state of pure consciousness independent of the external world.

ME: I disagree that the union should not happen to avoid ignorance - the union has to take place. Consciousness in human form cannot experience liberation independent of "reality". Ignorance must take place in order for lessons to be learned. We can look at human life as a microcosm of this bigger cosmic evolution. A baby is born ignorant and finds sustenance from the default world. It's very survival hinges on that interaction with reality. As the baby matures, it gets slapped around by life. And with mindfulness and deep insight, he comes to a realization that identifying with this default world is all bullshit. This begins his spiritual evolution that leads to liberation. But my whole point is that reaity has to be experienced first before any kind of realization to happen - union and ignorance must take place. This is the baby-step.

(p267) Uninterrupted discriminative discernment is the method for the removal of ignorance.

Author: This is about Discernment (Viveka). Everything can be classified as either non-changing and ever-changing. It is important to constantly discern what is non-changing from the ever-changing.

E.g. your self. The body is ever-changing since new cells are born as old cells die. In 12 years, all the cells in your body would have already been replaced. However, your Consciousness remains without change. Keep this discernment that even within you, there are elements of eternal and transitional. The same is true for everything else.

ChatGPT4:
"Through the unwavering discernment comes the means of destruction of ignorance."

A constant and unwavering awareness of what is real vs unreal, eternal vs non-eternal, removes the tethering of the Oberser from the Observed.

ME: In thermodynamics, tree is turned to firewood and firewood becomes ash and ash reverts back to the elements and morphs into something else. This element keeps morphing, assuming many states and names. But its very essence remains there - the information is never lost. This is the cardinal rule of Thermodynamics - information is never lost. This mirrors this Sutra - that there are eternal elements (information) and there are non-eternal elements (wood, ash, etc.) existing in the same matter.

This is another convergence of mysticism and science - truth is universal. No matter where it comes from (from science, from mysticism or from someone's shithole), ultimately, it says the same thing.

(p270) One’s wisdom in the final stage is sevenfold:

Note: It should be noted that the Sutra did not specify the 7 phases but the Author listed 7 down - perhaps this is from his yogic tradition

Author: These are the different stages along the Yogic path:

1. External Knowledge - true knowledge can only be gained from within - not outside where everything fluctuates and changes, arising and passing away.
2. Aversion and Exercisable Options - pain is external, but suffering is internal. Pain is real, but it's our choice to suffer or not. So, how we feel is our own perception, and our perception depends if we are sucked in to Maya ("I'm hurt, it's so painful!") or unshackled from it through Awareness ("There is pain and I see blood. Let's see if the intensity is still the same after 1 hour. I'll observe with no reaction."). It's all in the mind. The mind dictates what we experience and what we are feeling. But this can be transcended by reverting back to being an Observer.
3. Knowledge from Within - there is a wealth of knowledge within. Most saints were never schooled in colleges and universities. They just sat under a tree and went deep inside themselves - all the answers were there. They learned and understood without being taught. This is how Buddha gained enlightenment. When he realized he could no longer learn from his teachers, he went within himself in search of answers.
4. Lifting of Ignorance - once the veil of ignorance is lifted and the Purusha transcends the fluctuation of the mind/world, there is no more need to do anything - no dos, no don'ts. Everything is already accomplished. This completely frees the Citta. The cosmic mind may prompt us to act on something and we act, but there is no need to know why or know the outcome - you just do it.
5. Freedom of Citta - because Ignorance is lifted, Citta (consciousness) is free from the habit patterns of the mind. It no longer needs to prove anything - thus ego dissolves and past impressions (pain, joy, need to be right, etc.) lose their grip.
6. Absorption of Mind - to the destruction or dissolution of the mind where mental disturbances, fluctuations, and distractions cease to exist, leading to a state of profound stillness and clarity.
7. Liberation - with the mind being absorbed, only the Perusha is left. Nothing else exists. Liberation has been attained.

You can read all the yoga books, go to all the pilgrimages, live in an ashram, wear the saffron robe, argue with the scholars, but realization will not take place because these are all external sources. All you have to do is find the answers within - close the senses to the outside world and look inside.

Books, yantras, etc are enablers. But once they serve their purpose, you move on and leave them behind. E.g. you use the breath to go into deep meditation. Once in meditative absorption, there is no longer any need to focus on the breath. Focus on the next thing. E.g. once you finish learning and practicing what's on the book, give the book to the next guy - don't perch the book on an altar.

I remember a good friend from Chiang Mai who makes a living being a guru. He has read 34 boxes of spiritual books and can recite a non-ending discourse on anything about spirituality. At the end, he confided that the books began to sound all the same - they were saying the same thing. Lesson here is you don't have to devour the world's knowledge - they get in the way of the process, stroke your ego (Oh, I'm so smart I know more than anyone else here). Work with an idea that caught your attention and dive deep into it. You'll know when the time to move on happens.

ChatGPT4:
"The practitioner's consciousness reaches the ultimate stage of sevenfold knowledge."

This sutra suggests the progression of knowledge or consciousness through seven stages. Patanjali does not explicitly list the seven stages of knowledge.

(p280) By the practice of the limbs of Yoga, the impurities dwindle away and there dawns the light of wisdom, leading to discriminative discernment.

Author: Patanjali describes another way to practice yoga - the 8 Limbs method.

ChatGPT4:
"Indeed, through the practice of the limbs of yoga and with the destruction of impurities, there arises the light of knowledge, leading to discriminative discernment."

Through the practice of the 8 limbs of yoga, impurities are burned, true knowledge is gained leading to discernment of the Observer vs the Observed.

(p281) The eight limbs of Yoga are:

1. 30. Yama (abstinence) - abstinences, regulations
   
   
   1. Nonviolence (Ahimsā) - do not cause pain (do not kill is different). It's not just physical. You can cause pain through your words and writing
   2. Truthfulness (Satya) - this is not just lying, don't exaggerate, don't say half-truths, don't embellish
   3. Non-stealing (Asteya) - if it's not yours, don't take it. This applies to someone's ideas, someone's time. Don't grab credit
   4. Continence (Brahmacarya) - celibacy
   5. Non-greed (Aparigrahā) - b don't be greedy. Don't hoard things. When something already served the purpose, give it away b do not accept gifts
2. 32. Niyama (observance)
   
   Author:
   Niyama complements Yama. Together, they form the moral and behavioral foundation for a yogic life. All religions have this cornerstone.
   
   ChatGPT4:
   In this sutra, Patanjali introduces the second limb of Ashtanga Yoga consisting of five observances or ethical disciplines:
   
   1. Śauca (Purity or Cleanliness) - this involves both external and internal cleanliness. It includes maintaining physical cleanliness in one's surroundings and body, as well as cultivating purity of thoughts and emotions.
   2. Santosha (Contentment) - practitioners are encouraged to find contentment and satisfaction with what they have, avoiding excessive desire for material possessions. Contentment leads to inner peace and reduces the distractions of worldly desires.
   3. Tapas (Austerity or Discipline) - tapas involves the practice of self-discipline and austerity. It includes efforts to overcome physical and mental challenges, cultivating inner strength and resilience.
   4. Svādhyāya (Self-study or Study of Sacred Texts) - this niyama emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the study of sacred texts. Through self-study, individuals gain deeper insights into their own nature and the principles of yoga.
   5. Īśvara Pranidhānāni (Surrender to the Supreme Reality or Devotion to God) - this niyama encourages practitioners to surrender their ego and individual will to the divine or the supreme reality. It involves cultivating a sense of devotion and recognizing a higher power beyond the self.

   These niyamas complement the yamas (ethical restraints) and together form the ethical foundation of the yogic path.

3. asana (posture practice) -
4. Pranayama (breath control) -
5. Pratyahara (sense withdrawal) -
6. Dharana (concentration) -
7. Dhyana (meditation) -
8. Samadhi(contemplation, absorption, superconscious state) -

Author:

ChatGPT4:


xxxxx

ME:

(p284) These great vows are universal, not limited by class, place, time or circumstance.

Author: These are Great Vows and cannot be broken by any excuse for any dedicated Yogi. Lesser mortals are allowed to modify.

ChatGPT4:
"The great vow is universal and not restricted by birth, region, time, or tradition."

The practice of yoga is universal. No one is excluded regardless of age, sex, caste, or religion.

(p287) When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite [positive] ones should be thought of. This is pratipaksa bhāvana

Author: If one is flooded by hatred, instead of immersing into it, think of the opposite - love. If we can't mentally do that, be with someone you love or change your environment. Hatred will not go to the surface. This is a good way to control the mind. If husband/wife are fighting, the tension dissipates when the baby crawls up to them.

(p290) When negative thoughts or acts such as violence, etc. are done, caused to be done or even approved of—whether incited by greed, anger or infatuation—whether indulged in with mild, medium or extreme intensity, they are based on ignorance and bring certain pain. Reflecting upon this is also pratipakṣa bhāvana.

Author: When we allow negativity inflicted to others, directly or indirectly, it ultimately leads to pain and misery. This is ignorance.

ChatGPT4:
"When disturbed by thoughts of violence and others, whether done, caused, or approved, whether arising from greed, anger, or delusion, and whether mild, moderate, or intense, cultivate the opposite mental attitude. These thoughts, when they become infinite, result in infinite pain and ignorance. Thus, cultivate the opposite."

Negative thoughts can come from many sources, even external people. If left unchecked, it will manifest as violence and ultimately lead to pain and misery. With awareness, you can catch the negative thought early on and replace it with love, compassion or empathy.

(p292) In the presence of one firmly established in nonviolence, all hostilities cease.

Author: No violence happens around a person who vibrates ahimsa (through thought, words and deeds). It's like water that douses fire. Sages and seers in the jungle are not harmed by wild animals if they practice ahimsa. A person practising ahimsa vibrates peace, harmony and connectedness. This was practiced by Buddha, Gandhi, Mandela, etc.

Google Bard:
"When non-violence (ahimsa) is established, hostility ceases in one's vicinity."

This sutra emphasizes the transformative power of non-violence (ahimsa) in cultivating inner peace and harmony. It states that when non-violence becomes firmly established within an individual, hostility or animosity (vaira) naturally subsides in those around them.

The sutra highlights the ripple effect of ahimsa, suggesting that our own actions and intentions have a profound influence on the environment and interactions we create. By embodying non-violence in our thoughts, words, and deeds, we foster a peaceful atmosphere that disarms hostility and promotes understanding.

Ahimsa is not merely about avoiding physical harm; it extends to the realm of thoughts and emotions. It encompasses cultivating kindness, compassion, and forgiveness, refraining from judgment and criticism, and extending empathy to all living beings.

When ahimsa becomes deeply rooted in our being, it radiates outwards, creating a magnetic field of peace that gently dissolves animosity in others. This transformative power of ahimsa is not forceful or coercive; rather, it operates through the subtle power of resonance, inspiring others to adopt a similar mindset of non-violence.

In essence, Sutra 2.35 underscores the interconnectedness of our actions and the impact we have on the world around us. By cultivating ahimsa within ourselves, we not only promote inner peace but also contribute to a more harmonious and peaceful world.

ME: I rememmber a time in Canada, I was walking towards home at around 2:30am. Most of the people still out at that time were either drunk, smashed already or warlike. There was a bloodied group of young guys walking in front of me who were openly looking for a fight. They yelled expletives at everyone they saw. Of course they saw me behind, but I was in a state of bliss, completely non-reative to their threatening presence. They completely ignored me, but yelled expletives at everyone else.

(p294) To one established in truthfulness, actions and their results become subservient.

Author: When someone practices truthfulness, his words manifest. This is almost magical. A person who speaks the truth is bestowed with almost magical power to manifest his words. He doesn't have to do any work because his words alone will ensure the task is done. When one is honest, there is no fear, there is nothing to hide and one experiences freedom. But if our honesty will cause harm or pain, it is best to be silent. When pushed, instead of saying, "I don't know" (which is a lie), you say, "I know, but I'll keep it to myself.". Once the benefit of being truthful is experienced, it gets addicting to be truthful because it produces a high.

ChatGPT4:
"When truthfulness (satya) is established, the fruits of actions become dependent on truth."

Essentially, it highlights the idea that living truthfully in speech, action and thought leads to a harmonious alignment between one's actions and their consequences.

Google Bard:
Truthfulness permeates every aspect of our lives, guiding our intentions and shaping our actions. The sutra suggests that when we act with truthfulness, our actions become aligned with the natural order of the universe (no self-interest, ego, or fear), and a genuine desire to contribute to the well-being of all. As a result, the outcomes of our actions become pure and unblemished, free from negative karma or unintended consequences. When we embrace truthfulness, we see the world with clarity and discern the right course of action. Our actions become aligned with dharma, the ethical and harmonious way of living, leading to positive and beneficial outcomes. By cultivating truthfulness in all aspects of our lives, we purify our intentions, enhance our actions, and pave the way for a life of fulfillment and meaningful results.

ME: As a general rule, I don't lie. By not lying, I feel a lightness of being - no baggage. Perhaps this is due to absence of guilt. You know you are aligned to virtue and the right way. Of course if my truthfulness will cause harm, I rather keep my mouth shut.

Author:
"To one established in non-stealing, all wealth comes."

(p298) When you want to become rich, all you have to do is not steal. When we want to take everything without giving as much, it's stealing because it's greed. Nature is naturally benevolent to those who are not greedy and don't steal. When you hoard wealth and it's not shared, energy is stuck and there is a natural tendency for that wealth to 'escape'. But when used properly, it's an energy that moves and enriches. When surplus potatoes are dumped in the ocean to 'stabilize prize', this is theft to those who are hungry with nothing to eat. It's a sinful way to use what nature has endowed. The richest person is the one with a cool mind, free of tension and anxiety.

ChatGPT4:
"When non-stealing (asteya) is established, all jewels come."

It suggests that when an individual adheres to the principle of non-stealing, not only in terms of material possessions but also in a broader sense of ethical conduct, they attain a state where all valuable and precious things come to them. This could be interpreted not only as material wealth but also as spiritual and ethical richness that manifests when one lives a life of integrity and honesty.

Google Bard:
When non-stealing becomes firmly established within an individual, all wealth naturally comes to them. Non-stealing encompasses not only refraining from physical theft but also avoiding the exploitation of others, taking advantage of others' misfortune, and harboring greed. When non-stealing becomes deeply ingrained in our being, it cultivates a sense of contentment and abundance, eliminating the need for material possessions to fill a void within. The sutra suggests that when we live in accordance with the principle of non-stealing, we align ourselves with the natural flow of abundance and prosperity. We become magnets for wealth, not in the sense of material riches alone, but also in the form of knowledge, wisdom, and meaningful experiences. The transformative power of non-stealing lies in its ability to dissolve the illusion of scarcity and separation. When we embrace non-stealing, we recognize that abundance is not limited and that we are all interconnected parts of a vast and bountiful universe. We cultivate a sense of gratitude for what we have and a willingness to share our gifts with others. By cultivating non-stealing in our thoughts, words, and actions, we open ourselves to a life of abundance, not just in material possessions but also in love, compassion, and inner peace.

ME: By practicing asteya, even when no money is coming in, there is always food on the table and a roof over my head. I felt that there was an unseen hand looking after my well being. This was my way of life in the many years I traveled Southeast Asia with very little money. I know this to be true because I've lived it - it's not just a concept. But this abundance is also a result of many yogic practices, not just asteya.

Author:
"By one established in celibacy, vigor is gain"

(p306) By releasing, man feels mentally and physically depleted - this is true in our human experience. Spiritual advancement cannot be gained with a depleted body and mind. Seminal fluid is stored properly and re-absorbed into the system it gets transformed into prana. Additionally, sexual energy that is preserved gets transformed into a subtle energy called ojas. It develops personality, builds the nerves, improves brain power and stills the mind. The person develops magneticism. When ojas is stored, it creates tejas - a glow or radiance that lights up a room.

ChatGPT4:
"By the establishment of continence, vigor is gained."

By establishing continence or practicing self-restraint in the context of one's sexual energy, an individual can gain increased vigor or vitality. Energy is preserved and channeled for increased physical, mental, and spiritual strength.

Google Bard:
"By establishing celibacy, one gains virility."

By practicing celibacy and controlling one's sexual energy, an individual can gain increased physical, mental, and spiritual power. When sexual energy is not dissipated through sexual activity (no ejaculation), it is believed to be channeled into other areas of life, leading to greater physical strength, mental focus, and spiritual awareness.

ME: True, by practicing "non-ejaculation" (you can still have sex, just don't 'come'), not only do you save energy, but you gain access to increased energy you can unleash. The method is to stop before that point of no-return, rest a bit, and then go for it again. By doing this, sexual energy gets pumped and pumped until your head feels like exploding. I could do about 5 sex-reps without coming before I stop. The following day, I could really feel my strength surge - even a yoga teacher noticed and commented on it. After some time of doing this repeatedly, I woke up one morning with an acute pain in that area. I had to have sex in order to come and release.

Author:
"When non-greed is confirmed, a thorough illumination of the how and why of one’s birth comes."

(p314) Non-greed can extend to being cautious about gifting. If you receiving a gift, there could be string. And if you give away a gift, you may not even be aware that you tied strings to it. When we see the cause and effect of relationships, you no longer see the bondage and thus can be free and clear of obligation.

ChatGPT4:
"By non-attachment, one attains serenity. When one is not attached, there is the understanding of the wholeness of life."

The practice of aparigraha (non-attachment or non-grasping) encourages individuals to cultivate a mindset of detachment from material possessions and desires. By letting go of attachments, one is said to attain serenity and a deeper understanding of the true nature of life, gains insight into the continuity of life or the cyclical nature of existence.

Google Bard:
"By establishing non-possessiveness, one gains knowledge of past and future lives."

Aparigraha is non-possessiveness, non-grasping, greedlessness, and freedom from attachments. By cultivating non-attachment to material possessions and desires, an individual can gain access to knowledge of their past and future lives, ultimately achieving enlightenment.

Clear perception: By letting go of attachments, one's mind becomes clearer and more discerning, allowing them to perceive the true nature of reality and understand the interconnectedness of all things, including past and future lives.

Transcending ego: Attachment can be seen as a manifestation of the ego, the false sense of self and ownership. By overcoming attachment, one transcends the ego and gains access to a deeper level of consciousness, where past and future lives are revealed.

Accessing karmic memory: Some interpretations suggest that non-attachment allows one to tap into the karmic memory, which holds the record of all past experiences, including those from previous lives.

Understanding the cycle of reincarnation: By understanding the cycle of birth and death, one can break free from its limitations and achieve liberation.

ME: I regard possession as being tethered to the burden of ownership. With ownership, I now have to guard against its loss or destruction. If it's land, I now have to build fences around it. If it's jewelry, I now have to insure it or keep it in a safe, etc. By only acquiring for my essential needs, I am free from that burden. And for the things I already own, it practically has no value that I can even leave it behind when I move on - no attachment. This gives me a feeling of freedom that is hard to just conceptualize. It needs to be experienced.

Author:
"By purification arises disgust for one’s own body and for contact with other bodies."

(p316) Sauca practice makes you realize that even your own body is impure - you get sick, you age, you get injured. Thus it's best to look after your body, but don't treat it like an altar and get attached to it. The union of 2 bodies (male and female) is not ideal as pursuing the yogic path of brahmacharya.

ChatGPT4:
"Through cleanliness, there arises disgust for one's own body and a disinclination to contact with others."

This sutra emphasizes the importance of cleanliness (saucha) that goes beyond physical cleanliness and extends to purity of mind and spirit. By practicing saucha, one develops a sense of detachment or disinterest in one's own body and a reduced inclination for unnecessary contact with others.

Google Bard:
"From purity arises aversion to one's own body and the company of others."

Sauca (purity or cleanliness) are both in a physical and internal sense. It encompasses practices like hygiene, bodily purification techniques (Shatkriya), and cultivating a clean mind free from negativity and impurities. It recognizes the limitations and temporary nature of the physical form. It encourages avoidance of unnecessary contact with others - a conscious choice to minimize distractions and interactions that may hinder spiritual progress, especially from people who don't vibrate with you.

ME: I fully subscribe to cleanliness - in the body, mind, spirit and in the external world. I bathe daily, mostly in a natural spring water source, I cleanse my mind by mantra chanting, and my spirit with meditation. As for the external world, I do not associate myself with drunks, addicts or obnoxious people. True to Desiderata, they are vexations to the spirit. Thus, I feel clean and I feel the lightness of being.

I disagree however, to feeling 'disgust' about the body. While in human form, my body is the interface to learn all the lessons that need to learn. I treat my body as an altar and hold inviolate of bad food, drugs or alcohol. I am also aware that this body is only temporary while this human life persists. I think it's a much healthier outlook - sorry Patanjali.

Author:
"Moreover, one gains purity of sattva, cheerfulness of mind, onepointedness, mastery over the senses and fitness for Selfrealization."

(p323) By being pure, you become honest and life becomes fluid and easy. You understand the body, the heart is uplifted and you become happy. Self-realization becomes accessible.

ChatGPT4:
"Through the purity of the mind (sattva), one attains cheerfulness of mind (saumanasya), one-pointedness (ekāgrata), control over the senses (indriyajaya), and fitness for realizing the self (ātmadarśanayogyatvāni)."

By purifying the mind and cultivating sattva (the highest quality found in nature which is characterized by purity, clarity, and harmony.), positive attributes (positive and joyful mental disposition, ability to focus the mind and maintain one-pointed attention., mastery or control over the senses, e pursuit of self-realization) are attained.

Google Bard:
"From the purification of sattva arise happiness, one-pointedness, mastery over the senses, and fitness for self-realization."

When we live a life of clarity, purity, joy, and peace, we invariably come to a state of well-being and emotional stability. We develop a one-pointedness of the mind and control over the senses. We become fit for self-realization.

Inner purification leads to outer manifestation: By purifying the inner self through practices like meditation and ethical conduct, one experiences positive changes in their emotions, thoughts, and actions.

ME: By remaining authentic, saying the truth even though it's easier to lie, you lift the burdens of life many people carry. You feel the lightness of being - no excess baggage. Without anything weighing you down, there is clarity of thinking and the path for realization seem visible.

Author:
"By contentment, supreme joy is gained."

(p325) Contentment means acceptance of the present without going to outside things for our happiness. If something comes, we let it come. If not, it doesn’t matter. Contentment means neither to like nor dislike.

ChatGPT4:
"From contentment, unsurpassed joy is obtained."

Finding satisfaction with one's current situation, circumstances, and possessions. By adopting an attitude of contentment, one can experience a profound sense of joy that surpasses the happiness derived from external circumstances. It encourages practitioners to find fulfillment within themselves rather than relying solely on external factors for happiness. It involves appreciating what one has in the present moment rather than constantly seeking fulfillment in external achievements or possessions.

Google Bard:
"From contentment arises the highest happiness."

By cultivating contentment, one can achieve a profound and enduring Inner peace that surpasses fleeting pleasures derived from external sources. Contentment arises from within, regardless of external circumstances. By developing this inner peace, one becomes less susceptible to external fluctuations and experiences a deeper sense of well-being. Contentment allows one to be free from cravings and attachments. Contentment involves accepting what life offers, both the pleasant and the unpleasant. By embracing all experiences with equanimity, one can find happiness even in the midst of challenges.

ME: I cannot say I have no desires but I can say I'm not attached to my desires. I think it's healthy to have desires - it acknowledges that you're still human. Just don't get attached to them. I am contented with what I have despite unmet desires. Sure, I have desires. I'd like to have a Lamborghini Diablo, a yoga ashram and a more comfortable living space. If I don't get any of that, it's ok. I'm just grateful that I have a spartan shelter that I got cheap, a bicycle that gives me a workout and a motorcycle that gets me to far places. The universe has been kind and benevolent. If it grants me my desires, a big thank you. If not, that's ok, thank you just the same.

I cannot say there is joy in me for being contented. Joy seems to be the wrong word. Contentment is simply acceptance of your present lot - neither happy nor sad for it. I'm just thankful for whatever is on the table.

Co-Creator of Reality
This is a yoga book but not so much asana and pranayama. The main focus of this book is the mind and its tethered relationship with 'reality'. As I read and re-read, and summarized and meditated, chapter after chapter of this duality - Consciousness and the illusion of Reality, there was something morphing inside me. I began to feel more that reality as we experience it is fluid and malleable. It's not objective and it can be shaped and sculpted. Who sculpts it? Consciousness! It's our thinking, our intention aided by our yoga practice that make this fluid reality, a manifestation. I see just how much power I wield as a co-creator of reality. This is not just an understanding of the concept but a profound internalization of the underlying concept that reality, as it takes shape, is entirely my own doing - therefore I can undo it, replace it or fine-tune it. This is emppowering. It's one thing to know, another thing to understand, and a higher level to actually internalize. What's next after this? Experience! In a deep meditative absorption, Consciousness can transcend the body, transcend the material world and all its trappings, and experience its eternal and timeless nature. I'm not there yet.

An Easier Read
This book is a much easier read, more 'grounded', and more relevant, but equally as compelling as the Autobiography of a Yogi and Yoga Yajnavalkya. The esoteric mysticism of Hatha Yoga Pradipika is not here. The incomprehensible hyper-literacy of Autobiography of a Yogi is absent here - just plain understandable English with compelling analogies to ground the matter.

Language A.I.s
What I found extremely helpful is to let the Language A.I.s explain the sutras in plain English like asking it to explain in plain English + examples, "...by the firmly convinced practice of the complete cessation of the mental modifications, the impressions only remain."? Since I get output from the 4 language AIs (ChatGPT4, Google Bard, Microsoft Bing and Opera Orca), I get a more comprehensive understanding of the sutras, more than if I relied on the author alone. A.I.s' commentaries are actually more concise, clearer, more accurate and to the point - and this is after comparing the author's commentaries and A.I.'s commentaries. Combining the output of the A.I.s, the author's commentary and my insight, I get a deeper understanding of the sutra. Sometimes, a single sutra of just a few words become a full day's workshop.

1. Resorts - Lazi has some beach/dive resorts on its west coast - Gabayan Riviera, Lazi Beach Club, Bahura Dive Resort. However, the popular area for tourist resorts are in San Juan
2. Transport - Lazi is the junction where the jeeps begin their clockwise route (Lazi-San Juan-Siquijor Port) or the counter clockwise route (Lazi-Maria-Larena Port). Because the jeeps are rare with about 2 to 3 trips/day only in the morning, it's practical to just have a motorcycle here in Siquijor. With its affordability (a brand new Rusi motorbike is as low as P45k), people just buy motorcycles...especially those who live up in the mountains.
3. The Boulevard - Lazi's main draw is its seaside cobblestone promenade. When the sun goes down, people gather here for eats, drinks, open-air, harbor view and the sunset
4. Lazi Port - Lazi just recently opened up its port with Kho Shipping plying the Iligan, Tagbilaran and Cebu routes.

Lazi to Iligan City route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early April 2023. Before, going to Iligan City meant going to Siquijor Port, 30 km away. This also meant that on the way back, you have to be in Siquijor before 2pm to catch the last jeep to Lazi. With this direct route, there is no 'last trip' to catch.

1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Iligan City, Tu-Th-Sat, 6 hours, Lazi departure 5 am, arrival in Iligan City Port 11 am, economy P800, tourist P1100, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

Lazi to Cagayan de Oro route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Davao meant going to Iligan first, then bus to CDO and then bus to Davao City. Now, Iligan can be completely bypassed saving about 3 hours on the trip.

1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Cagayan de Oro, Tu-F-Sun, 6 hours, Lazi departure 6 am, arrival in Cagayan de Oro Port 12 noon, economy P1,100.00, tourist P1,400.00, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

Lazi to Dumaguete route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Dumaguete meant going to Siquijor Port, 30 km away. This also meant that on the way back, you have to be in Siquijor before 2pm to catch the last jeep to Lazi. With this direct route, there is no 'last trip' to catch.

1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Dumaguete, M-Th-Sat, 3 hours, Lazi departure 1 am, arrival in Dumaguete Port 4 am, economy P300, tourist P500, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat

Lazi to Cagayan de Oro route by Kho Shipping was just opened up in early September 2023. Before, going to Davao meant going to Iligan first, then bus to CDO and then bus to Davao City. Now, Iligan can be completely bypassed saving about 3 hours on the trip.

1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Cagayan de Oro, Tu-F-Sun, 6 hours, Lazi departure 6 am, arrival in Cagayan de Oro Port 12 noon, economy P1,100.00, tourist P1,400.00, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat





2. Cagayan de Oro Port - arrival 12 noon. Take a jeep to East Terminal (Agora) to catch the Davao-bound bus
3. CDO East Terminal (Agora) - take bus going to Davao City, 8 hours, PHP 875. This terminal is open 24 hours and there is always a bus going to Davao - no need to pre-purchase tickets
4. Davao Bus Terminal - you'll arrive at the Davao Bus Terminal, close to SM City. From there you can take a cab ride to your hotel. There are many jeeps that will also take you to the Poblacion town center, 15 mins, PHP 12

Lazi to Cebu entails a stopover at Tagbilaran - you only pay for one ticket (I've broken down the individual trips in case you're boarding from Tagbilaran). From the 5pm boat departure from Lazi, it would cost PHP 1000 (it's odd that it's cheaper to pay for the individual trips rather than paying for both...PHP 845 vs 1000) and take about 10 hours.

1. Lazi Port - take Kho Shipping to Tagbilaran, W-F-Sun, 4 hours, Lazi departure 1 am, arrival in Tagbilaran Port 5 am, economy P475, tourist P750, tickets available at Lazi office 2pm-10pm M-Sat





2. Tagbilaran Port - arrival 5 am, layover 1 hour, departure for Cebu 6am (5 hours), economy P370, tourist P520
3. Cebu Port - arrival 11 am

Jeeps - there are only 2 routes for jeeps within Siquijor Island - and they are rare. Most people have their own motorcycle transport.

1. Siquijor Port to Lazi - last trip leaves at 3pm from station near market
2. Lazi to Siquijor Port - jeeps depart from the Lazi Port area. 5 jeeps, the last trip at 12:30 pm. Lazi to San Juan, P50.
3. Larena Port to Lazi - jeeps are unpredictable. As of this writing, there is only 1 jeep plying the Larena-Lazi route. This jeep leaves Larena for Lazi at 9:50am. After that, no more jeep. You'll have to take a tricycle to Siquijor Pob for jeeps going to Lazi
4. Lazi to Larena Port - 6am (daily) and 9 am (M-Th)

Food - these were suggested by a local to me

1. Lechon manok & liempo - roasted pork belly and chicken at Joel's in Siquijor Poblacion. I've tried this myself...yummy, even if the chicken was no longer hot
2. Bibingka - sweetened rice cake by Fidy's Bibingka (P30) in Sawang, Maria. I've come back for this and I buy for other people as well as 'pasalubong' - they love this
3. Siopao - at the Rosita store near Thrifty (P25) in Siquijor Poblacion
4. Peanut butter - by Rene. Just ask around in Siquijor Poblacion. It's popular
5. Torta - sweet cakish bread at the Thrifty story in Siquijor Poblacion

1. Montenegro Lines - at Siquijor Port, P234.00/pax, P169/bicycle, 7:30am/10:00am/2:00pm/4:30pm




2. Aleson Shipping - at Siquijor Port, 6 am and 6 pm daily, 1:30 pm M-Sat, Regular P200.00/pax, Aircon P250.00/pax




3. Ocean Jet - 40 mins,at Siquijor Port, 0919.066.5964, www.oceanjet.net, marketing@ocenajet.net, 6:00am/6:00pm, P350/pax (tourist/open air), P580/pax (business class)
   
   

En route to Cebu City, the ferries usually make a stop-over to Tagbilaran (Bohol) to pick-up more passengers or unload.

1. Ocean Jet - 2 hours, 8:20am, at Siquijor Port
   To Tagbilaran: P800/tourist & open air, P1200/business class
   To Cebu: ?
2. Lite Ferries - at Larena Port,
   To Tagbilaran: T-Th-Sun, P475/standard, 7pm, 3 hours, PHP?
   To Cebu: T-Th-Sun, 7pm, 7 hours, PHP 650

1. Lite Ferries - at Larena Port, T-Th-Sun, 2:00 am, 5 hours, PHP?

There is only one bus plying this route - Sugbo Urban. Tourist class coach, a/c, comfortable, Sun-Fri (these dates keep changing). P420 for bus, P275 for ferry to Liloan. Larena Port around 5 am, makes a clockwise roundtrip around Siquijor Island - Larena, Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi (stops at Lazi market for breakfast and leaves 6:50 am), San Juan, Siquijor (arrives 8am, P50 from Lazi to Siquijor Poblacion) and catches the 1pm ferry at Larena Port (Sundays at 3 pm) for Liloan, Cebu and resumes its land route. Arrives Cebu City (South Bus Terminal) 10 pm.

Sugbo Urban is the cheapest and most convenient way because it goes around the island (clockwise) along the circumferential road, passing through - Enrique Villanueva, Maria, Lazi, San Juan, Siquijor...and back to Larena where it takes the ferry at 1 pm. This saves you the hassle and high transport cost of a tricycle. Besides, it's a long trip from the other side of the island to be taking by tricycle.

These are the nearest popular destinations from Siquijor by boat

1. Bohol - Bohol is an island northeast Siquijor. Tourist attractions are Chocolate Hills, Tarsier Monkey, Loboc River Cruise, Beaches of Panglao, whale sharks (recent offering), freediving (recent offering)
2. Cebu - Cebu City is the usual gateway into the Visayas. But in Cebu Island itself, there are many offerings - Whale Sharks of Oslob, sardine run at Moalboal,Thresher Shark of Malapascua
3. Dapitan (Zamboanga del Norte) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.
4. Dumaguete - Dumaguete is a small charming progressive coastal town in Negros Oriental. Cafe and restaurants line the famous Boulevard Boardwalk. Tourist attractions include Japanese Shrine, Casaroro Falls, snorkeling along the southern coastline (Dauin, Masaplod Norte, etc), Balinsasayao Twin Lakes
5. Plaridel (Misamis Occidental, Mindanao) - I haven't been there but a lot of island ferries ply this port. There must be something here.

1. Canghaling Cave November 14, 2023
2. Kings and Queens November 13, 2023
3. Barangay Vote-Buying October 22, 2023
4. Real Estate Mapping October 1, 2023
5. Learning Cebuano: Oct October 1-31, 2023
6. Oct Food Hack: Pizza, Kinilaw, Coconut Bread, Fish Okuy, Carrot Omelette,Lemon-Grass Tea October 2023
7. Sep Snapshots: Fisherman, Granny, Pedicure, Big Fish, Garbage September 1-30, 2023
8. Sep Food Hack: Fish Tinola, Ratatouille, Chayote Omelette, Flat Bread September 2023
9. Together Forever Sep 11, 2023
10. The Cigarette Talk Sep 1, 2023
11. Siquijor Star Meditation Center Aug 31, 2023
12. The Lost Dogs of Siquijor Aug 27, 2023
13. Moving to a Bungalow! Aug 22, 2023
14. Aug Chronicles: CDO produce August 31, 2023
15. Aug Snapshots: Pan de Sal, Palpitate, Taho, Tuna, Pineapple August 1-31, 2023
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16. July Chronicles July 31, 2023
17. July Snapshots July 1-31, 2023
18. Learning Cebuano: July July 1-31, 2023
19. June Chronicles June 31, 2023
20. June Snapshots June 1-31, 2023
21. Learning Cebuano: June June 1-31, 2023
22. May Chronicles May 31, 2023
23. May Snapshots May 1-31, 2023
24. Learning Cebuano May 1-31, 2023
25. In Search of a Cool Climate May 25, 2023
26. The 64 km Bike Ride May 16, 2023
27. Lazi Fiesta May 15, 2023
28. The Boulevard Opening May 5, 2023
29. April Snapshots April 1-30, 2023
30. Learning Cebuano...Again! April 1-30, 2023
31. Kris Visits Siquijor Mar 17 - Apr 15, 2023
32. Exploring Siquijor with Marky Mar 25 - Apr 11, 2023
33. Siquijor Healing Festival April 5-8, 2023
34. The Talk at United Church of Christ April 2, 2023
35. Mar Snapshots Mar 1-31, 2023
36. Vigil for the Ghost Ship of Siquijor March 31, 2023
37. Judging an Essay on Gender Equality Mar 29, 2023
38. The Thief, the Shaman, the Elves and the Police Mar 20, 2023
39. Finally Acquiring the Motorbike Mar 18, 2023
40. Bitcoin Blunder Mar 15, 2023
41. Maria's Unsung Beaches Mar 11, 2023
42. Lagaan Falls Mar 9, 2023
43. Tibhong Spring Water Source Mar 8, 2023
44. Bolo-Bolo Natural Spring Mar 2, 2023
45. Reasons to Get a Wife March 1, 2023
46. Feb Snapshots Feb 28, 2023
47. Camagung-Ong Natural Spring Feb 28, 2023
48. Heeeere's Johnnie! Feb 26, 2023
49. Manifesting a Motorbike from Thin Air? Feb 18, 2023
50. The 'Bad Guy' of Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
51. Amazement from Drivers License Renewal in Siquijor Feb 15, 2023
52. Locong Falls Feb 9, 2023
53. Inguinal Hernia? Goodbye ABS! Feb 4, 2023
54. Jan Snapshots January 31, 2023
55. In Search of Tubod Cold Spring Jan 27, 2023
56. 1:4:2:3 Nadi Shodana Jan 26, 2023
57. Lazi's Boulevard Jan 22, 2023
58. Lazi: A Monthly Stay Jan 21, 2023
59. 7 Days in Maria, Siquijor Jan 14-21, 2023
60. Capilay Spring Jan 17, 2023
61. Siquijor: In Search of Resonance Jan 9-14, 2023
62. Riding Around Siquijor's 86km Coastal Road Apr 3, 2012
63. Exploring the Cantabon Cave of Siquijor Feb 23, 2012
64. Jovee and Missy's Excellent Adventure Nov 6-7, 2010
65. Freediving in Siquijor's Marine Sancturaries Apr 23-24, 2010
66. Island Tour of Siquijor Apr 22, 2010
67. Kram's Siquijor Wedding Apr 21, 2010