THE YOGA THEORY OF CONSCIOUSNESS:
SOME DISTINCTIVE FEATURES

Prof. PRABAL KUMAR SEN
Department of Philosophy, University of Calcutta, Kolkata, India

Apart from the Yoga system of Patanjali, many other systems of Indian Philosophy also recommend the adoption of yogic practices like ASANA, PRANAYAMA, DHYANA, SAMADHI etc. as means of attaining tranquility of mind (CITTAPRASADA) or purity of mind (CITTASUDDHI) that is conducive to the realization of truth (TATTVAJNANA) or self-realization (ATMAPALABDHI). There is, however, no unanimity among these systems regarding the nature of consciousness. We use the word 'consciousness' in such a way that it is equally applicable to cognitive, emotive and conative states. A comprehensive theory of consciousness has to discuss, among others, the following problems:

(I) What is the nature of consciousness?

(II) What is the function of consciousness?

(III) How is the existence of consciousness known?

Various alternative answers have actually been given by different systems to each of these questions. Without going into details, we will record here these answers, and point out the answers given by the Yoga system, thereby indicating the distinctive features of the Yoga theory of consciousness.

YOGA AND CONSCIOUSNESS

SWAMI ADVAITANANDAJI
The Chinmaya Mission, Kolkata, India

The goal of life is to realize the true nature of our self. Our Vedas and Upanishads declare that the essence of our life is consciousness which is commonly known as Atman, Brahman or Consciousness. Consciousness enlivens the body, mind, and intellect. In Kenopanishad, a disciple asked "by whom, willed and directed does the mind light upon its objects?" Commanded by whom, the main vital air (Prana) proceeds to function? By whose will do men utter speech? What intelligence directs the eyes and ears (towards their respective objects)? In reply to these questions the preceptor says that it is consciousness that is making all our senses function. Great sage Patanjali, in his yoga sutra advocates practice of yoga for realization of consciousness. Yoga is the means by which we can experience the bliss of Brahman. As per the Yoga Sutra, Yoga is "Chitta Vritti Nirodhaha" which means a state of mind where there is no flow of thought and the mind merges into the atman. A Yogi enjoys the bliss and the state of absolute freedom from the bondages of the world. Yoga is the only way which can lead an individual to this highest state of realization. When we perform Yoga, our mind turns towards the self and our extrovert ness fades away. Thus the state of mind is elevated and a personality shines forth.