Yoga Sutra 1.17 and 1.18

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

In these two sutras it is explained that there are two types of Samadhi. In order to attain the latter Samadhi one must allow gorse and subtle thoughts to recede back to where they came from.

My question is, by meditation on the breath at the nostrils without ceasing for any distraction at all – no matter how important it seems to be and no matter what it feels like to persist – will I be accomplishing sutra 1.18?

In other words, is it necessary to witness the thoughts and inspect them for their quality to attain Samadhi? I know it is important to achieving self-realization.

If not, is it more important to achieve asamprajnata Samadhi before contining down the path of becoming the seer?

Any comments will be gratefully received! Thanks for reading,

JMATLACK

#2

My question is, by meditation on the breath at the nostrils without ceasing for any distraction at all – no matter how important it seems to be and no matter what it feels like to persist – will I be accomplishing sutra 1.18?

Answer is NO

In other words, is it necessary to witness the thoughts and inspect them for their quality to attain Samadhi?

Yes, because witnessing the thoughts is something doable by seeker if he really makes effort for it.

[QUOTE]is it more important to achieve asamprajnata Samadhi before contining down the path
[/QUOTE]

For example, You can not teach small baby to run first before teaching how to walk. Here Samprajnata Samadhi is like walking and ASamprajnata Samadhi is like running. Later can only come after first. But after that both follow each other in succession until you cross all layers.
By the just for your information, both (Samprajnata and ASamprajnata) Samadhi fall under sabij (with seed) Samadhi. There is Nirbij (without seed) Samadhi comes after that.

of becoming the seer?

This is called point of failure. “Seer” is not a degree of any university nor a designation of any job. Whoever is trying to become anything in yoga, fails. When you drop every hope and desire then spirituality starts.

Your all questions are valid as far as curiosity is concern but I would suggest to spend few years practicing Yoga and just enjoy it. Soon after that you will find that questions are dropping and then your journey will start…