ing down of this knowledge into the waking state becomes a matter of absorbing inter-
est and provides one method of overcoming the condition of Viksepa. In this case also
the mind becomes more and more one-pointed and engrossed in an objective which is
‘inside’.
It should be remembered, however, that this kind of mental activity has nothing
to do with Samadhi. It is allied to psychism and differs from it in the fact that it is the
result of definite training and therefore the knowledge which is acquired is more useful
and reliable.
as desired; agreeable by meditation or.- Or by meditation as desired.
After giving a number of methods for overcoming the condition of Viksepa
Patanjali concludes this subject by saying that the Sadhaka may adopt any method of
meditation according to his predilection. This should bring home to the student that the
practices recommended by the author are merely means to a definite end which should
always be kept in mind. Any other method which serves to make the mind steady and
one-pointed can be adopted.
Another idea which is implicit in the Sutra is that the method chosen for this
purpose should be in accordance with one's temperament. In that way the mind is
helped to acquire the habit of one-pointedness by the natural attraction for the object
of pursuit. Thus a Sadhaka with clairvoyant tendencies will find the method given in I-
38 not only attractive but helpful. Another with an emotional temperament will feel a
natural predilection for the method given in I-37. Such predilections are the result of
training and experiences in previous lives and generally point to the ‘ray’ of the indi-
vidual or the fundamental type to which he belongs.
A little experimentation may be permissible in the selection of the method but
trying one method after another should not be allowed to become a habit, for this will
aggravate the very malady which is sought to be cured.