Sutra 1.19: Metta Magic

Samadhi Pada: Yoga of Being in the Now

1.19 Bhavapratyayo videhas prakrtilayanam

• bhava = origin / birth
• pratyayah = insight / true perception
• videha = special body
• prakrti = nature
• layana = becoming one with

This sutra is described as one of the most obscure and can be confusing due to the different interpretations of a few of the words. So, instead of making it more confusing than it already is, for now I'll simply settle on the interpretation that says that sutra 1.19 and sutra 1.20 describe different types of yogis and the path both of them take to reach samadhi. Today's sutra focuses on the first group. For them to reach samadhi, they don't have to have discipline in following certain practices, and they don't have to adhere to the path that Patanjali lays out in the yoga sutras. This group of yogis gain the powers of mindfulness, and empathy and acceptance, and  . . . . . . simply by being born. These skills and way of being and powers we work towards in our yoga practice come naturally to this group because they already possess them at birth. How did they get so lucky? Well, without getting into it too much, I'll just say their work in the past led them to where they are now.

I'll let you in on a secret . . . . I am far from belonging to this first group of yogis! 😝

My path will be laid out in next week's sutra, but I look to this sutra to remind me that everyone comes into this life with their own path, their own struggles, their own strengths and their own way to live out what they have been given. Some stories will appear easy, some difficult, some unfair, some frustrating, some appearing successful, some appearing to have little to no success, etc. The simple truth is we have no idea what anyone else is going through, what their path in life is and why. It's easy to get sucked into the comparison complex (trust me, I know!) But, the best we can do in this life is to work to figure ourselves out and our own unique path while feeling love and compassion towards others whether we understand and/or agree with them or not.

So, my challenge for you this week is to send Metta (lovingkindness) out into the world. Whether sending it to a specific person, a group of people or everyone in general, at least once a day connect to your heart and say the following phrases: "May you be healthy. May you be happy. May you be safe. May you be free" Next week we'll look at ways to follow the path for us other yogis. For now let's just focus on something that the world can always use more of . . . . . love and compassion. 
       

Sutra 1.19 Samadhi is a natural state for some who are born with 
true insight or others who naturally become one with nature.