Meditations on the Non-Dual State

Yoga is sometimes regarded as a dualistic system and sometimes as form of non-dualism. How so? 

Pattabhi Jois’ answer was that the external limbs of yoga (yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara) are dependent on the dualism of mind-body, prana-apana, inhale/exhale, pose/counterpose etc.., while the internal limbs of yoga - dharana, dhyana and samadhi are focused on the non-dual - i.e. consciousness.

Extracts from Aparokshanubhuti by Sri Shankaracharya - Jois’ family guru:

112. One should know that as real posture in which the meditation on Brahman flows spontaneously and unceasingly, and not any other that destroys one’s happiness.

114. That (Brahman) which is the root of all existence and on which the restraint of the mind is based is called Mulabandha (the restraining root) which should always be adopted since it is fit for Raja-yogins.

115. Absorption in the uniform Brahman should be known as the equipoise of the limbs (Dehasamya). Otherwise mere straightening of the body like that of a dried-up tree is no equipoise.

118. The restraint of all modifications of the mind by regarding all mental states like the Chitta as Brahman alone, is called Pranayama.

119-120. The negation of the phenomenal world is known as Rechaka (exhale), the thought, “I am verily Brahman”, is called Puraka (inhale), and the steadiness of that thought thereafter is called Kumbhaka (restraining the breath). This is the real course of Pranayama for the enlightened, whereas the ignorant only torture the nose.

121. The absorption of the mind in the Supreme Consciousness by realizing Atman in all objects is known as Pratyahara (withdrawal of the mind) which should be practiced by the seekers after liberation.

122. The steadiness of the mind through realization of Brahman wherever the mind goes, is known as the supreme Dharana (concentration).

123. Remaining independent of everything as a result of the unassailable thought, “I am verily Brahman”, is well known by the word Dhyana (meditation), and is productive of supreme bliss.

124. The complete forgetfulness of all thought by first making it changeless and then identifying it with Brahman is called Samadhi known also as knowledge.

125. The aspirant should carefully practice this (process) that reveals his natural bliss until, being under his full control, it arises spontaneously, in an instant when called into action.

126. Then he, the best among Yogis having attained to perfection, becomes free from all practices.

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The Sublime Teachings of Sri Shankaracharya

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