Sutra 52 Tatah ksiyate prakasavaranam, essentially talks about how the practice of pranayama and how it destroys the veil that covers the inner Light. The light within (Prakasa), is covered by the veil of mental darkness. Mental darkness is the mind chatter or illusions we create. How are we to remove the veil? By pulling the threads out, one by one, until it exists no more.
The mind is a veil woven of thoughts. It has no substance by itself. If we pull the thoughts out one after another, when they have all been removed, there is no mind left. It is like a heap of sugar. If we remove each grain of sugar, one after another, the heap no longer exists, only the sugar. Wood arranged in various ways, gets called different things; chair, table, bench or firewood. Different appearances get different names. But it is only the appearance that changes; the basis can never be destroyed. Our basis is the Self. As long as we identify with the body or mind we feel we are mortal. Pranayama indirectly helps is to understand the Oneness, the never-changing One, because it removes the veil.
Pranayama is an easy practice. Set aside a few minutes each day and simply breath. There are many different methods of pranayama, but one simple yet highly effective method is take a 4-count in breath to an 8-count out breath. Notice the difference after a few minutes of breathing in this format how you feel. Perhaps a bit lighter, softer and more centered.
Om!
Mary Jane - Feng Shui Yoga Girl - www.fengshuiyoganj.com
