Chidakasa Darsanam: An Encounter With Mind (A Study on Patanjali Yogasutram)

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Upanishad and other Indian thoughts exhibit the Zenith of rationality. They excel the findings of even modern science. But unfortunately today they are most misunderstood and misinterpreted.

Yogasutram by the great ancient seer Patanjali is most rational and scientific. This book is an attempt to understand ‘Yogadarsanam’ in its intrinsic worth. Man his mind and its activities are the subjects deal with in ‘Yogasutram’. It suggests a rational and systematic technique to realize the mind employing the mind itself. Modern psychology, both western and eastern is far far behind Patanjali’s expertise in the field of human psychology.

The ancient knowledge has been interpreted by many including Adi Sankara according to their perception. In this book, I have made earnest efforts not to e influenced by the interpretation and perceptions of other. I was also cautious not to admix Yogadarsanam with any other school of thought. I shall be complacent if this work tempts the readers to re-examine Patanjali Yogasutram.

I am thankful to Dr. N.P. Unni for the scholarly introduction. I am also grateful to my friend Mr. Baby John for his constant instigation in publishing this book. In this context it will be dishonest if I did not acknowledge the contributions of my wife in assisting me in the writing of this book.

We have inherited a vast philosophical knowledge that is useful to humanity. “Shad Darsanam” (School of thought) are the insights of our ancient seers. Yoga Darshanam based on Patanjali’s Yogasutram is an ever relevant scientific philosophy.

Patanjali yogam is a system of search based on the physical and mental realities of man. The contents of physical and mental realities of man. The contents of “Yogasutram” are not mere philosophy. It contains the techniques of self-realisation. Patanjali Yogasutram comes under the category “rajayogam”. Mind its activities and the techniques of prevention of mental activities are discussed in Yogasutram.

Different meaning like style, conjunction unity etc. are attributed to the word “Yogam” in different texts. Bhagawat Geetha says that “Yoga Karmasys Kousalam”. Yogam is the union of “Jeevatma” and “Paramatuma”. However according to patanjali’s Yogasutram yogam is not union but the effort for union. It is the technique for prevention of mental activities. The text commences with the words “Yogaschithavrithi nirodha.” That means Yogam is the device for trance.

The book penned by ‘Ichhanusari’ is intended to impart knowledge to laymen about Yoga Darsanam. The clarity and simplicity in language make this book readable even to those with little knowledge of Sanskrit. The book is not an interpretation of yogasurtam but an independent study. However the author has been careful not to make the book formidable to common readers by exhibiting heavy erudition. It is an excellent example to cite how profound subject can be explained simply without the pedantical extravaganza. I believe that this authoritative book on yogam will be useful to the common public.