is the driving force and which brings about the destruction of egoism and fusion of
consciousness and Samadhi is the result.
The careful student will be able to see in Isvara-Pranidhana the essence of
Bhakti-Yoga. It is thought by many students of the system of Yoga outlined in the
Yoga-Sutras that there is not much of a place for a Bhakta in this system, and Bhakti
has not been given the weight it deserves considering its importance in spiritual cul-
ture. It is true that the manner in which the subject has been dealt with by Patanjali
does give that impression, but does not Isvara-Pranidhana contain in a nutshell the
whole essential technique of Bhakti-Yoga? Navadha-Bhakti which comprises the prac-
tical side of Bhakti-Yoga is merely of a preparatory nature and it is meant to lead the
Sadhaka to the stage where he is able to renounce all external aids and to surrender
himself completely to the Will of the Lord and depend upon Him completely for every-
thing. Surely, this advanced technique of spiritual culture and ultimate union with the
Beloved in Samadhi is nothing but Isvara-Pranidhana.
- When the mind is disturbed by improper thoughts constant pondering
over the opposites (is the remedy).
In dealing with the subject of Yama-Niyama, Patanjali has given two Sutras
which are of great help to the practical student of Yoga. The first of these which is be-
ing considered gives an effective method of dealing with the habits and tendencies
which interfere with the practice of Yama-Niyama. The student who tries to practise
Yama-Niyama brings with him the momentum of all kinds of tendencies from previous
lives, and in spite of his resolve, the undesirable habits and tendencies in which he has
indulged assert themselves strongly and force him to act, feel and think in ways which
go against his ideals. What is he to do under these circumstances? He should ponder
constantly over the opposites of the undesirable tendencies when these latter trouble