1.17 - 1.22 Oneness

1.17 वितर्कविचाराअनन्दास्मितारुपानुगमात्संप्रज्ञातः
Vitarka Vichara Ananda Asmita Rupa Anugamat Samprajnatah 
Samprajnatah is the state of conciousness in which there is an awareness of the object with thought, reflection,  pleasure and a sense of separate self (asmita).

1.18 विरामप्रत्ययाभ्यासपूर्वः संस्कारशेषोऽन्यः

Virama Pratyaya Abhyasa Purvah Sanskara Shesho'nyah

Beyond this, when the mind is emptied with practice,  there is a state in which only the trace impressions (samskaras) remain.

1.19 भवप्रत्ययो विदेहप्रकृतिलयानम्
Bhava Pratyayo Videha Prakriti Layanam
This is the nature of existence for beings without physical bodies and for those who are absorbed in the womb of life awaiting reincarnation. 

1.20 श्रद्धावीर्यस्मृति समाधिप्रज्ञापूर्वक इतरेषाम्
Shraddha Virya Snriti Samadhi Prajna Purvaka Itaresham
For others, this state is realised through faith, will, mindfulness, tranquility, and wisdom. 

1.21 तीव्रसंवेगानामासन्नः
Tivra Samveganam Asannah
It is near for those who ardently desire it.

1.22 मृदुमध्याधिमात्रत्वात्ततोऽपि विशेषः
Nridu Madhya Adhimatratvat Tato'pi Visheshah
Even among these there are degrees -mild, moderate, and intense.

Sutras 1.17 to 1.22 describe different degrees of mental quieting.

Samprajnatah stands for a state of consciousness where the subject is distinct from the object. In other words, we see ourselves as separate from the rest of the world. In this state, we are aware of our thoughts, feelings and judgements, but we refrain from attaching to them. 

In the next stage, we become aware that separation is an artificially created concept. We realize that we are in fact one with the rest of the universe. There is no separate "I". 

The final stage is one of ultimate freedom, where we have no sense of self and therefore register no thoughts or emotions. This is called Asamprajnata Samadhi.

These stages are not hierarchical, nor do they build on each other. Through a regular meditation practice, it is entirely possible to experience moments of Asamprajnata Samadhi. However, if you're anything like me, you probably struggle with accepting oneness as more than an abstract concept. In the western world, in particular, we are conditioned to think of ourselves as separate from the rest of the universe.

Not only is this approach fundamentally flawed, but it can lead to feelings of isolation, lack of purpose and disillusionment. The more we can accept that we are one with the world around us, the more we will feel a genuine sense of connection and belonging. Sounds good, right?

Let's look at some concrete steps we can take to help us experience oneness.

1. Realise that you are the author of your own story

If you have been following this blog from the start, you may have already played with creating space between outside influences and your reaction to them. The more practised we get at this, the more we realise that life is not something that is happening to us. Rather, we are actively shaping our experience on this earth.

2. Recognize opportunities for growth

If you want to go to the next level, start to open your eyes to how the world around you is a reflection of yourself. Notice that those people and situations that trigger you the most are actually your biggest teachers. They are simply reflections of your own insecurities.The more you can accept yourself, the more you will accept others and the less you will react to situations that used to upset you.

3. Be gentle with yourself

Keep in mind that the path to enlightenment is not linear. There will be days when you feel a strong connection to the universe and life just seems to flow. There will be other days where you lose sight of this connection and everything seems like a struggle. This is what makes us human. When you realize that you have lost your connection, don't scold yourself. Instead, thank yourself for the learning opportunity and then revisit steps 1 and 2 above.

It may sound counter-intuitive, but the more you relinquish control over situations, the more peace and clarity you will be able to find.  For more on this topic, stay tuned for my next post on "surrender"!