Why is samadhi easier for some and harder for others? In Session 3 (sutras 1:17–1:22) of our Yoga Sutra Book Club, Ishan Tigunait demystifies the concept of samadhi (the summit and goal of yoga), recasting it in practice-oriented terms. Listen as Ishan explains concepts such as “lower” and “higher” samadhi, the stages of samadhi, and the relationship of abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (non-attachment) to samadhi. You’ll also learn about five ingredients you can cultivate that will help you evolve into a bhava pratyaya yogi, the kind of yogi for whom practice—and samadhi—seem effortless. These are the five principles for self-mastery.
To prepare for Session 4, please read Sutras 1:23–1:29 (the “Ishvara sutras”) in Pandit Tigunait’s The Secret of the Yoga Sutra: Samadhi Pada (for key terms and self-study questions, download the PDF Study Guide.