Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
Yoga-sutras 3.8, English translation with modern and ancient interpretation. The Patanjali Yogasutras describe an ancient Indian tradition spanning over 5000 years old dealing with Yoga:—Meditating the mind on the Atma leading to the realization of self. This study interprets the Yogasutras in light of both ancient and modern commentaries (e.g., Vyasa and Osho) while supporting both Sankhya and Vedanta philosophies.
Sūtra 3.8
Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 3.8:
तदपि बहिरङ्गं निर्बीजस्य ॥ ३.८ ॥
tadapi bahiraṅgaṃ nirbījasya || 3.8 ||
(8) That also is (to be regarded as) external in respect of nirbīja or seedless concentration.
Ancient and Modern interpretation:
For nirbīja or seedless concentration the above three practices are external as asamprajñāta is concentration without any external reference. Bhāsvatī recommends practice of para-vairāgya as intimate practice for seedless concentration.[1]
Osho explains[2] seedless samādhi, total emptiness, śūnyāvasthā arises after samādhi is dropped. It is effortless, and you are gone forever. He recites beautiful story of Buddha. Buddha, when reached ultimate heaven and the door opened for him, he refused to get in. He said, millions are struggling to enter. So, I will wait outside and guide them for getting in. I will enter when no one is left outside. This is Bodhisattva who has come to samādhi, and is denying seedless samādhi and clinging to samādhi so that he can help people and be there till one chain with the world is there.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Bhāsvatī, op.cit., p.554
[2]:
Osho, op.cit., p.71