Samadhi Pada • sutra 21
| तीव्रसंवेगानामासन्नः ॥१.२१॥ tīvra-saṁvegānām-āsannaḥ ॥1.21॥ |
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| For those who practice with intense (tīvra) ardour (saṁvega), the attainment of samādhi is very close (āsanna). |
| Commentary This sutra, though brief, conveys a fundamental teaching: the intensity and sincerity of our commitment are the key to getting closer to our goals. Patanjali shows us that progress on the spiritual path does not depend on time in a linear sense but rather on the depth of our dedication. The words tīvra (intense, vigorous) and saṁvega (ardour, drive) express the necessity of total commitment, one that goes beyond superficial practice. When the desire for realisation is genuine and burning, samādhi is no longer a distant goal but a close possibility (āsanna). This sutra also reminds us that the experience of time is subjective. When we are fully immersed in what we do, time loses its relevance: a child playing with enthusiasm does not notice the passing hours, just as one who dedicates themselves passionately to their inner path approaches transformation without perceiving the distance to the destination. An example of such absolute concentration appears in a story from the Mahābhārata, the most renowned epic of the Indian tradition (Ādi Parva, section 135). The master Droṇa, an expert in martial arts and archery known for his unwavering discipline and wisdom, sets a challenge for his students: to strike the head of a wooden bird hanging from a tree. Before allowing them to shoot, he asks, “What do you see?” One by one, the young archers describe their surroundings: “I see the bird, the people, myself, the trees…” None possess the concentration needed to hit the target. Arjuna, however, gives a different answer. When Droṇa asks him, he responds with clarity, “I see only the bird’s head.” His mind is impeccably focused, free from distractions. Impressed by his response, Droṇa allows him to shoot, and Arjuna strikes the target with perfect precision. The Mahābhārata and Patañjali’s Sūtra convey the same message: when distractions, interferences, and the perception of time fade away, only the target, the intention, and the action remain.  Daily Mindfulness BitesToday, notice the moments when you feel truly engaged in what you’re doing—when you put your whole self into every action. Pause and ask yourself, “Am I present in what I am doing?” Just like Arjuna, who saw only the target, blocking out all distractions to focus his mind entirely on the present. Transform that energy into a steady commitment. Whether you’re working, talking, or simply walking, let your passion guide each movement, allowing every moment to be lived to its fullest. Every action, even the simplest one, becomes meaningful when carried out with complete attention and dedication. Reflection: At the end of the day, think about the moments when you felt truly alive and engaged in what you were doing. Note how this shift in attitude influenced your daily experience. When we put our heart into what we do, we not only enrich our experience but also cultivate a deep sense of fulfilment. Focus and commitment free us from worries and bring us into the present, where every moment becomes an opportunity for growth. |
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