Читать книгу Edgar Cayce and the Yoga Sutras - Istvan Fazekas - Страница 16

Understood in the full sense of their meaning, [the yamas]² embrace the whole world of moral conduct. By their observance, the yogi avoids the primary or fundamental difficulties that could block his progress towards [God-consciousness.] Breaking the rules of moral conduct creates not only present misery, but long-lasting karmic effects that bind the devotee to suffering and mortal limitation.

Paramahansa Yogananda

In both the spiritual yogic systems of India and the teachings from the readings’ source, one concept emerges as preeminent for spiritual development: Adherence to moral and ethical principles. There is no magic bullet or shortcut to God consciousness, only the steady transformation born of consistent and persistent spiritual practice. In the system of Raja (“royal”) Yoga, the one systematized by Patañjali, the first and most critical stage of training for the spiritual aspirant is ethics/morals.

In Raja Yoga, the initial moral teachings are known as yamas (“observances”), a kind of thou-shalt-not-do set of rules for establishing optimal social harmony. Patañjali begins with these because he feels they transcend cultures and creeds. In the Yoga Sutras, he refers to them as “universal adherences.” If everyone were to faithfully abide by these social rules, the world would be a much better, much safer, and more socially productive place.

The readings’ source prompts everyone to seek Christ Consciousness as the highest spiritual choice. The recurring teaching in the readings is the need for the obliteration of “hate, prejudice, selfishness, backbiting, unkindness, anger, passion, and those things of the mire that are created in the activities of the sons of men.” (5749-5) The sage Patañjali would be in full agreement with this formula. The following are the five yamas.