BKS Iyengar uses the analogy of a TREE in order for us to understand the many branches of the mind and heart known as ‘moods’. The key is discovering ways that we can discern what comes from our true source and what doesn’t.
(Read below for more on Sutra IV.4)
Taken at Maldives
Moods can taint, distort and disturb the intelligence, creating various afflictions and fluctuations. If this distorted consciousness is re-channeled in the right direction, it develops refinement and sensitivity.
Yoga Sutra IV.4 (see below) explains the quality of constructive and creative mind through ‘asmita’ (sense of individuality). The seat of the mind matter is the brain. It creates fluctuations, bias and prejudices which cause pain and distress. The mind at its source is single and pure. It is known as the seat of the spiritual heart.
When the mind sprouts into a seedling, it becomes the self-conscious centre and forms a sense of individuality. This develops into consciousness and branches out into ego (ahamkara) , intelligence (buddhi) and mind (man as) These manifest as multiple thought waves which if allowed free play give rise to afflictions and fluctuations (moods).
By regular practice, the fire of yoga helps us develop the ability to discriminate between the original mind (the core of our spiritual heart – LOVE) and its off-shoots (distorted forms of love – like attachement and craving for experiences that have passed or not yet arrived…delusion)
So how can we see clearly regarding the many masks of Love – discriminating real from unreal – truth from untruth (the practice of Yoga!) ?
Through careful observation of our behaviour, channeling our energy to retrace the source of these thought waves (citta vrttis) – this helps to convert habit into cultured response. This converting of sprouted or created consciousness into cultured consciousness (nirvana citta) helps the individual to recognise their true heart (this is meditation – dhyana) at which point distortions of the multiple mind disappear.
The consciousness of head and heart unite. This pure citta is root consciousness (mull citta)
For example one can compare the single state of consciousness to the trunk of a tree and the multiple mind to the branches of a tree. Though the branches shoot out from the main trunk, they remain in contact with it. (BKS Iyengar)
Therefor taking the time to practice asana or sit in meditation helps us to create the space required to pull back the branches and leaves in order to appreciate the source of the trunk – knowing we are not our moods but we are so much more than that.
One way to recognise that you are not your moods is to imagine them speaking to you in a voice you could never take seriously (a friend of mine use to pick a politician, another a cartoon character – try it – sense of humour is key in the practice we call Mindfulness &/or Yoga)
-Inspired from reading ‘Light on Yoga Sutras’ – BKS Iyengar. Yoga Sutra IV.4 and my own practice and interpretations of the Pillars of Mindfulness.
Namaste and have a good day:)
Tammyxox