Aphorism 2.27 of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras concludes the section on transitioning from ignorance to enlightenment and immediately precedes the section on the specifics of preparing to meditate. [Herein “enlightenment” and “ignorance” are opposites: we either realize the distinction between cognition and Consciousness, or we don’t].
Loosely translated, aphorism 2.27 says, “Seven insights come to one who has [realized the difference between mind and Consciousness].”
Interestingly [frustratingly?], Patanjali doesn’t elaborate on the seven phases of awakening.
My teacher says that’s evidence that (a) Patanjali isn’t the inventor of classical Indian yoga or meditation, rather, he codified what had been widely practiced for centuries, and (b) Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are meant to serve as the basis for discussion of key elements of the practice, rather than capturing the entirety of it.
Vyasa, the earliest and most influential commentator on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, lists the seven-fold process of moving from ignorance to enlightenment as [again, loosely translated]:
1 the causes of suffering are identified
2 the causes of suffering are removed
3 one distinguishes between cognition and consciousness
4 cognition is no longer required
5 cognition has fulfilled its purpose
6 there’s no further need for cognition
7 consciousness stands alone
Personally, I find it difficult to distinguish between the last four. If we think bigger picture, about Patanjali’s end goal of eliminating future pain and suffering, it makes sense that “merely” overcoming ignorance isn’t the end of the road. Once we realize the literally intangible nature of our own Consciousness, we’re still obligated to act in a manner that will mitigate any negative karmic consequences from our future actions. [Granted, enlightenment makes that much easier!]
Rather than getting caught up [as I have] in the specificity of the seven discriminative aspects of attaining enlightenment, if we accept that the transition is multi-faceted, then Vyasa’s identification of seven phases of discrimination may make more sense.
For example, think of the steps that addicts pass through on their way to sustained sobriety:
1 I acknowledge I have a problem
2 I accept that I need help
3 I commit to seek help
4 I seek help
5 I follow advice
6 I remain vigilant
7 Rinse & repeat
Just as an addict must remain ever vigilant of being triggered, a yogi must remain ever mindful of the distinction between mind and Consciousness so as not to fall back into old habits.
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God bless, Skip
#patanjali #consciousness #meditation
