YOGAŚ CITTA VṚTTI NIRODHAḤ
2. The restraint of the modifications
of the mind stuff is Yoga.
To best understand what Patanjali means by “the restraint of the modifications of the mind,” it is helpful to first give some definition to the word “mind.” There is one mind, in spirit, of which you (and I) are joined. You and everything else in the universe are part of this one mind. Because of the nature of oneness, as a part of the whole, you are also the whole. Is a bubble on the surface of the ocean separate from the totality of the ocean? Of course not. It could only “be separate” if it believes it is separate! A part of this one mind thinks or believes it has separated from its Source, and the power of this belief in separation miscreates a world of form. This impossible, erroneous belief (that we are separate from Source), along with any fearful thought that supports it, make up the “modifications of the mind” or ego.
This is a partial summary of the deep metaphysics that A Course in Miracles teaches. It need only be contemplated and not fully understood at this time. The wrong-minded modifications of mind oppose the loving totality of God and miscreate a world of separation, where thoughts of fear, guilt, greed, jealousy, and often unconscious attack-thoughts of all kinds (whether toward oneself or another) are repeatedly acted out. While you may not be aware of it yet, the right-minded, healed part of your mind is a direct reflection of Source as perfect loving Oneness. To remember and experience this natural, joyous, healed state, the ego modifications of the mind must be restrained.
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