Swami Nishchalananda Online Satsang 16/09/23

During this Zoomsang, Swamiji discusses the first 4 verses of Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras. He emphasises that these four verses encapsulate the very essence of Yoga, both as practice and experience. He explains the Sanskrit word drashta. He also gives some of his own interpretations. He then gave a 20-minute meditation based on these verses of the Yoga Sutras in which he systematically goes through the different facets of our personality – physical, emotional and mental. In all cases there is the ever-present Conscious Presence or Awareness, which is indefinable, yet we can identify with it.

During the question-and-answer session, Swamiji underlines the importance of compassion; that the world would be very different if people who make policy decisions meditated alone, or better together. A pipe dream but well within the realms of possibility. It would engender respect and compassion not only for all humans, but also all living creatures. He indicates that yoga and other spiritual systems are indispensable if we are to survive on planet Earth. He emphasises the importance of taking time and space just to be.

The Zoomsangs are like a cave where we all share time and space. It is important for humans to connect to the ‘Unseen’. Consciousness cannot perceive itself, nor can we conceptualise it. This doesn’t mean that it is unreal; rather, it is the fundamental basis of all our experiences and indeed, the entire universe of ‘things’. Our concepts cannot ‘touch’ Consciousness. Swamiji outlines the importance of letting go of our need to try to understand everything with concepts.

Swamiji also introduces the importance of symbols to focus the mind, especially for those who can easily visualise. As an example, he explained the symbolism of the lotus, or water lily, and its practical use in meditation.