I. Samādhi Pāda · Ways to a clear mind (1.33–1.39)
1.35 · Night-Blooming Jasmine
Or an experience of a sense object, when it arises, binds the mind to steadiness.
Word by word
- viṣayavatī
- having a sense object, sensory
- vā
- or
- pravṛttiḥ
- activity, experience
- utpannā
- arisen
- manasaḥ
- of the mind
- sthiti-nibandhanī
- which binds to steadiness
Where it fits
A further support. Vyāsa states its point in the argument: a little direct experience confirms what scripture, inference and teachers say, and then faith, energy, memory and absorption (1.20) arise without hindrance (Woods p. 73). The text has turned from removing obstacles (1.30) to building confidence.
Reading
A refined sense experience can anchor the mind. Vyāsa is specific: fix attention on the tip of the nose and a divine scent is perceived; on the tongue and palate, taste, colour, touch and sound. He presents these as real perceptions of a subtler kind, and readers differ on how literally to take them. His reason is down to earth. Experiencing even one thing directly dispels doubt, and makes the rest of the teaching believable. A little tasted truth gives the practice confidence.
Vyāsa
“When one concentrates on the tip of the nose, the awareness of a divine scent that comes is the sense experience of smell. … Once they arise, these experiences tie the mind to steadiness, dispel doubt, and become a doorway to the wisdom of absorption.”
Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 72.
Practice
Sit and rest attention at the tip of the nose for five minutes. Notice the coolness of the in-breath, the warmth of the out-breath, any faint scent in the room. Don't chase anything special. Fine attention to what is there is the practice.
A question to sit with
What small experience could steady your trust?