PREFACE.

This absolute sleep of the mind constitutes the Isolation Sanskrit: Kaivalya; the state of absolute freedom where the soul is detached from matter (Release) of the Self.

The reader who is interested in tracing unity among the diverse philosophical systems will be interested to find that writers on Yoga have tried to reconcile the view that Release is obtained by Meditation with the theory that it can be obtained by true knowledge Sanskrit: Jnana alone. Both views are correct; both Yoga and Knowledge original: "Jnâna" lead to release, each in its own way and independently of the other. But one who would seek to obtain it by means of true knowledge, would also have to practise that much of Concrete Meditation which leads to the discernment of the self from other things.

This closes our study of the first section. The second section deals with the means—Practice original: "Sadhana"—of Yoga.

Aspirants to Yoga are divided into three classes—(1) The Beginner original: "Ârurukshú"; literally 'one desirous of climbing', (2) The Practitioner original: "Yunjâna"; one actively engaged in the exercises, and (3) The Adept original: "Yogâruddha"; one who has already ascended or attained the state of Yoga; and for each of these distinct means or methods are laid down. We may recall here the description of the last given in the Song of the Lord original: "Bhagavadgîtâ" VI. 4:—"One is said to be an Adept in Yoga when he ceases to become attached to any action or to any objects of sense, and when he has given up all desire for fruits of actions."

Those who belong to this highest class have passed through all the preliminary stages during their previous lives, and at once attain the highest Yoga; all that is needed for such people is constant Practice and Dispassion; they do not need the external disciplinary yoga. The 'Practice' meant here is the 'endeavour to fix the mind in unflinching concentration'; and 'Dispassion' is the feeling of 'enough' that one has with regard to objects of enjoyment; it is not mere absence of passion or attachment. It is of two kinds,