As we have seen in the previous sutras, Patanjali emphasizes the nature of mental events—fluctuations that arise in the mind—which can either distract us or be observed with clarity. Now, in Sutras 1.13 and 1.14, Patanjali shifts our attention to the importance of disciplined practice, showing us how consistent effort is essential in gaining mastery over the mind.
1.13: The practice of yoga is the effort to remain steady in the awareness of the Seer.
1.14: This practice becomes firmly grounded when pursued for a long time, without interruption, and with sincerity.
These two sutras bring into focus the essential qualities of discipline in yoga: persistence, consistency, and sincerity. Patanjali emphasizes that mastery over the mind is not achieved through occasional effort but through sustained, dedicated practice over time.
The Effort to Remain Steady
Sutra 1.13 defines the practice of yoga as the effort to remain steady in the awareness of the Seer. This is where discipline truly comes into play. In our day-to-day life, the mind is constantly drawn into the fluctuations of thoughts, emotions, and external distractions. The practice of yoga, as Patanjali teaches, is the ongoing effort to maintain our awareness of the Seer—the true self—amid these fluctuations.
This is not a passive state of relaxation but an active practice of mindfulness. Each time we notice a mental event, we have the opportunity to reaffirm our awareness of the Seer. Using the phrase “Neti, Neti. I am the witness. I am the Seer,” we can gently return to the present moment, reminding ourselves that we are not the fluctuations of the mind but the one who observes them.
The effort here is not about forcefully suppressing thoughts or emotions, but about gently bringing the mind back to stillness each time it becomes distracted. Over time, this practice strengthens our ability to remain steady and centered, even in the face of mental events.
The Power of Consistency
Patanjali elaborates further in Sutra 1.14, reminding us that this practice becomes firmly grounded only when it is pursued for a long time, without interruption, and with sincerity. Consistency is key in yoga. The mind’s fluctuations are relentless, and it takes sustained effort to cultivate the steadiness of the Seer.
Patanjali’s emphasis on long-term practice is important. Mastery over the mind doesn’t happen overnight, nor is it achieved through sporadic practice. The discipline of yoga requires us to show up again and again, each time renewing our commitment to remain present. Over time, this consistency bears fruit, allowing us to experience greater clarity, peace, and self-awareness.
This is why sincerity is also essential. It’s not just about going through the motions of meditation or mindfulness; it’s about truly committing to the practice with an open heart. When we practice sincerely, we develop a deep sense of trust in the process, knowing that each moment of mindfulness strengthens our ability to remain in the awareness of the Seer.
Bringing It Into Practice: Building a Steady Practice
In practical terms, this means making space in our daily lives for consistent practice. Whether it’s through meditation, mindful breathing, or simply taking moments throughout the day to return to the awareness of the Seer, the key is to remain dedicated.
When distractions arise, and they inevitably will, gently bring your awareness back with “Neti, Neti. I am the witness. I am the Seer.” This simple phrase helps you cultivate the steadiness that Patanjali describes, allowing you to witness the mind’s activity without becoming entangled in it.
The power of this practice lies in its repetition. The more we engage with the process, the more natural it becomes to return to stillness. Over time, we develop a firm foundation of mindfulness that can weather even the most persistent mental events.
Maintaining Discipline Through Sincerity
As we practice, it’s essential to approach the discipline with sincerity. This doesn’t mean pushing ourselves harshly or becoming frustrated when the mind wanders. Instead, it’s about maintaining a gentle, loving commitment to the process. Each time we bring the mind back to the Seer, we do so with a sense of gratitude for the opportunity to deepen our awareness.
In this way, discipline becomes less of a burden and more of an act of devotion. We are not forcing the mind into stillness; we are guiding it, with patience and sincerity, toward a deeper connection with our true nature. Over time, this practice becomes a source of joy, as we witness the mind’s fluctuations without becoming attached to them, remaining steady in the awareness of the Seer.
Coming Up Next:
In the next post, we will explore Sutras 1.15 and 1.16, where Patanjali introduces the concept of detachment and deeper levels of non-attachment. We will reflect on how this practice of detachment can free us from the grip of desires and aversions, allowing us to remain centered in the Seer. Join me as we continue this journey toward mastery over the mind and deeper self-awareness.
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