Patanjali Yogasutra 1.39
यथाभिमतध्यानाद्वा ॥ १.३९॥
"Meditate on anything that appeals to one as good."
Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.39, "yathābhimatadhyānādvā," suggests that one can achieve steadiness of mind through meditation on any object of one's choice. This sutra emphasizes the flexibility and inclusivity of meditation practices. It acknowledges that different individuals may find different objects or concepts more conducive to meditation. By allowing practitioners to choose their focus, Patanjali recognizes the diversity of human experience and the importance of personal resonance in spiritual practice.
The term "abhimata" means "desired" or "chosen," indicating that the object of meditation should be something that naturally attracts the mind. This could be anything from a deity, a natural scene, a concept, or even a personal goal. The key is that the object should be something that the practitioner finds inherently appealing and calming. This approach helps in stabilizing the mind, as it is easier to concentrate on something that one finds pleasant and engaging.
This sutra also highlights the importance of personal preference and intuition in spiritual practice. It suggests that the path to mental steadiness and spiritual growth is not rigid but adaptable to individual needs and inclinations. By meditating on an object of personal significance, practitioners can deepen their focus and achieve a state of inner peace and stability. This flexibility makes the practice of yoga accessible to a broader range of people, accommodating various beliefs and preferences.
Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts:
Rigveda 1.164.39
इन्द्रं मित्रं वरुणमग्निमाहुरथो दिव्यः स सुपर्णो गरुत्मान्।
"They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni; and he is the divine and well-winged Garutman."
This verse from the Rigveda highlights the concept of unity in diversity, where different deities are seen as manifestations of the same Divine principle. It resonates with the idea in Yogasutra 1.39 that different objects of meditation can lead to the same goal of mental steadiness.
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.4
स वेदैतत् परमं ब्रह्म धाम यत्र विश्वं निहितं भाति शुभ्रम्।
"He who knows that Supreme Brahman, wherein the universe shines in its pristine purity, attains the Highest."
This verse emphasizes the attainment of the Highest Knowledge through meditation on the Supreme Brahman. It aligns with the idea in Yogasutra 1.39 that meditation on a chosen object can lead to spiritual enlightenment.
Bhagavad Gita 6.47
योगिनामपि सर्वेषां मद्गतेनान्तरात्मना। श्रद्धावान्भजते यो मां स मे युक्ततमो मतः॥
"And of all yogis, the one with great faith who always abides in Me, thinks of Me within himself, and renders transcendental loving service to Me, he is the most intimately united with Me in yoga and is the Highest of all."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita underscores the importance of Devotion and meditation on the Divine. It complements the idea in Yogasutra 1.39 that meditation on a personally significant object can lead to deep spiritual connection and steadiness of mind.
These comparisons illustrate that the concept of meditating on a chosen object to achieve mental steadiness and spiritual growth is a recurring theme in various Vedic texts. Each text offers a unique perspective, yet they all converge on the idea that personal resonance and devotion are key to successful meditation and spiritual practice.
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