Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are written in four chapters. Each chapter has a specific focus. A Sutra or "suture", is a set of principles on specific subjects, which all go together (much like "suturing" a wound). These Sutras teach us how to live a meaningful and fulfilling life. In T.K.V. Desikachar, author of the book, Heart of Yoga introduces the reader to the Patanjali's Yoga Sutras. I will not go into the depth seen in his book, but I will attempt to share with you a synopsis of his work: Chapter Two: Sadhanapadah Patanjali shares a template "necessary to change the mind effectively and gradually from a state of distraction to one of attention (Desikachar 165)." Distraction is caused by obstacles in our egos. These obstacles, five in fact, are: misapprehension, confused values, excessive attachments, unreasonable dislikes, and insecurity. I would like to take the first; misapprehension as it correlates with Tolle's view on negative self-talk.
Klesha #1: Avidya: misapprehension or the lack of awareness can be the source of all the other obstacles. In Yoga Sutra 2.23 Patanjali states that the inability to discern between the temporary, fluctuating mind our & our own true self, which is eternal, is the cause of our suffering. Do we find ourselves living our lives as if all around us is permanent? Life is ever changing. I think that is what makes life so exciting and scary. We have to be aware that things change and to learn how to adjust to those changes; to become aware. What may appear may not be what is truly there... which may lead to errors of the object perceived.
All is not lost.... Patanjali wrote that , "this suffering provides us with the opportunity to make a distinction and to learn & grow by it, by understanding the true nature of each. It is that part of us that is always loving, peaceful, and unchanging".
Resources:
https://www.soundstrue.com/store/power-of-presence/eckhart-tolle-why-presence?sq=1
Kesikachar, T.K.V., The Heart of Yoga: Developing a Personal Practice. Inner Traditions International, Vermont, 1995 (pgs.165-175)
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