awareness and energy. The constant practice of all petals of yoga will
eventually repair all flaws inherent within the human system. The
power we generate through yoga practice must become a coherent and
indissoluble whole. Yoga sadhana is meant to knit the fibers to the skin
and skin to the fibers so that they coil and interweave the outer kosa
into the atma kosa. Only then can the Oneness of the power we create
within ourselves be integrated with the universal power that surrounds
us. If not, divisions will inevitably remain.
I have talked in this chapter of mahat (cosmic intelligence), existing
as a universal resource at our disposition. Prajna sakti, the power of
awareness, is nothing less than cosmic intelligence seeping and soaking
into the dark spaces of our being to illuminate them with conscious
ness. Consciousness has to settle down with clarity, brightness, and
serenity. This renders a gratifying satisfaction to the conscience that is
egoless and very close to the Soul.
In practical terms, how does this work? We already know that
cosmic energy (prana) is carried into us by the vehicle of breath. So
how is cosmic awareness inducted into us? What fuels it? The fuel is
willpower or sustained intention with attention. See how we are
moving closer to concentration (dharana), the sixth petal of yoga? But
still you must be asking, "How do I ignite the fuel of my willpower? I
know it comes from the heart, not the head, but I cannot just conjure
it up from thin air!" Yes you can-for it is air, or rather prana, which
ignites the fuel of will and allows awareness to spread and percolate
throughout our systems. Energy and awareness (both cosmic entities)
act as friends. Where one goes, the other follows. It is by the will of
awareness to penetrate that intelligence is able to move into and oc
cupy the darkest inner recesses of our being. This intelligence is clarity
to lighten the darkness. This is the dawn of wisdom, the intuitive in
sight that sees because it sees, knows because it knows, and acts im
mediately and spontaneously because the three powers of body, energy,
II K � I Y 1'. N 1; A II