Mind Science News

Dr. Pillai is holding a retreat in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, from July 22nd through the 25th of July, 2010. He will be giving advanced training in the Science of Yoga. You can enjoy some time away from your habitual patterns and experience intensive training with an enlightened master teacher in a beautiful setting. An added benefit of this trip is that it will be held during a very special full moon of the year, known as Guru Purnima. This is a best opportunity each year to receive energy and blessings for spiritual and material advancement in your life.

Yoga is a system of mind science that has been with us for thousands of years. The science of yoga was first put down into writing by an Indian sage named Patanjali more than 2000 years ago (though many claim a much earlier date for these writings). The compilation is known as The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali cover four main phases in the progression of yoga with each of the four main phases composed of two stages. Together these have been referred to as “the eightfold path of yoga”.

The first phase of yoga consists of disciplining one’s behaviors. First there is the disciplining of one’s outward behavior. This relates to how you interact with others – seeking to maintain basic moral behaviors. Here we purify from our habitual behaviors tendencies towards violence, stealing, lust and possessiveness.

The second stage of yoga involves disciplining one’s inward behavior – purity of thought and feelings. In this stage we cultivate inner virtues: purity, contentment, (austerity), study of sacred texts, devotion and dedication to the Divine.

The third stage of yoga involves postures. These are to develop limberness and flexibility of body and mind. These prepare the body for extended periods of absolute stillness which are achieved in the later stages of yoga. This stage is what is popularly understood as “yoga” and it has been widely spread into western culture primarily as a means of keeping fit. Hatha yoga is the primary form associated with this stage. The true purpose of this stage is to prepare the body to be limber and free of tension so that the consciousness can become liberated from the body during the later stages.

The fourth stage of yoga involves breathing exercises, referred to in the systems of yoga as pranayama. This is the scientific use of the breath to focus the energies within the body and to still and align the mental and emotional bodies. As we achieve stillness and alignment of the physical body, the emotions, and mental activity, we again are preparing for the liberation of the true self from these “bodies”.

Once this stillness and stability of body, emotions and mind has been achieved, we can move onto the fifth and sixth stages of yoga. In the fifth stage we withdraw our focus from the body, mind and emotions, and then in the sixth stage we concentrate our attention fully upon one object. The sixth stage is the beginning of true meditation. It is from this stage that we can manifest anything that we desire. When the body, mind and emotions are stilled, whatever is brought into the focus of attention will be projected into manifestation. These two stages are associated with the acquisition of siddhi powers. These powers often do arise through the practice of yoga, but they are not the end that we are seeking in yoga. The goal of yoga is union with the Divine – Liberation. This is achieved in the two final stages of yoga.

In the seventh stage we let go of our focus upon any object in our meditation and become aware of awareness itself. This leads one eventually to the eighth and final stage of Samadhi – absolute bliss, super-consciousness and enlightenment.

The system of yoga as given to us by Patanjali in his Yoga Sutras is the primary teaching that we have for achieving liberation and enlightenment. Each step leads naturally to the next as we first concentrate upon and become fully aware of our outward and inward actions and intentions. Then through practice we discipline all of the bodies to achieve stillness and alignment. Next we drop awareness of the body, thoughts and feelings as we move into one-pointed attention upon the object of our meditation. Then in the final stages we drop even the object of meditation, as we become aware of the pure awareness of the Self and transition into bliss of samadhi, super-consciousness and enlightenment.

It is very rare to receive training in these Yoga Sutras from a living teacher who has mastered the principles and who is generously guiding others through the progression. Dr. Pillai has never before offered this particular training in the Yoga Sutras in such an accelerated form. Investing in one’s self-improvement is one of the wisest investments one can make, and there are still openings for this particular Mind Science course. For more information about the curriculum and the venue, please visit Pillai Center Events.