sensuous or functioning; occupation; pursuit arisen;born of the mind steadiness binder (of) ; helpful in establish-
ing.
- Coming into activity of (higher) senses also becomes helpful in estab-
lishing steadiness of the mind.
The next means which Patanjali gives for making the mind steady is its absorp-
tion in some superphysical sensuous cognition. Such cognition may be brought about
in a variety of ways, for example, by concentrating the mind on certain vital centres in
the body. A typical example of this method is Laya-Yoga in which the mind is concen-
trated on Nada or superphysical sounds which can be heard at certain points within the
body. In fact, this method of bringing the mind to rest is considered so effective that a
separate branch of Yoga based on this principle has grown up.
How far this unification of the mind with Nada which forms the basis of Laya-
Yoga can take the Sadhaka in his search for Reality, it is difficult to say. Since this
method forms the basis of a separate and independent branch of Yoga, it is possible
some Yogis were able to make considerable advance in their search by this method.
But it is very probable that Laya-Yoga merges with Raja-Yoga at one stage or another
like many other minor systems of Yoga and is useful only in the preliminary work of
making the mind steady and tranquil and giving the Sadhaka direct experience of some
superphysical phenomena. Anyhow, the usefulness of this method in overcoming Vik-
sepa and preparing the mind for the advanced stages of Yogic practice is beyond ques-
tion.
sorrowless; serene or; also luminous.- Also (through) serene or luminous (states experienced within).
In Laya-Yoga the mind is made steady by absorbing it in Anahata Sabda. The
same object can be gained by bringing it in contact with other superphysical sensations