Links to Related Resources & Longer Articles:

• Reflections on TKV Desikachar’s Teaching and Svatantra……

Collated Related Short Posts & Quotes:

“Krishnamacharya’s teaching is a Nimitta Karaṇa
– Where you discover your own way.”
– TKV Desikachar on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“Who does this?
What is the force that brings about this adjustment?
We need some means – that is called Nimitta.
We must have the intelligence to know the basic
characteristics of our materials and their possibilities.
We must also have ability to bring about desired change.
Change of the mind, as in the movement from an ordinary mind
to one that is extraordinary, is similar to the process of irrigation.
A farmer attempts to direct the flow of water from
an oversupplied plot to one with insufficient supply.
The very nature of water makes it necessary only to cut
a dam to cause it to flow. However, he must recognise
which plot is surplus, which is deprived and which
dam he must cut in order to solve his problem.”
– TKV Desikachar on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“Nimitta is not permanently at our disposal
because of the Kleśa, especially Asmitā.”
– TKV Desikachar on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“Nimitta is seen as the agent for change, as if a farmer.
Everything required is there, along with the intelligence.
You just have to find the intelligence to find the intelligence.
So verse 3 talks about the tools, materials and intelligence.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“Metaphorically speaking, we are all made of the same clay.
Therefore, we all have a similar potential for change.
However, to make something different out of this clay,
a wheel is needed, but this is no use without a potter.
Here, the skill of the potter is crucial.
Patañjali uses the word Nimitta
as a cause for change in the clay.
Hence, the potter is Nimitta.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“To start with, Nimitta is usually an external agency, but this
external agency must itself also be linked to some Nimitta.
In early life for example, our parents, friends or teachers can
be a Nimitta.
As to Yoga, the best external Nimitta is a teacher.
Here, the teacher’s role is to help guide you towards your internal
Nimitta, in that the teacher will get to know you and support you
with the appropriate means for your journey from outer to inner.
From this process, a mirror for Nimitta can be through any number
of things, for example Dharma or even Duḥkha can offer guidance.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 3

“Those who use their Nimitta have another facility at their disposal.
They have the ability to influence another.
In that they can change other people’s states of mind.
Asmitā is the common source of this influence over another.
The link between teacher and student is through Asmitā.
The more open the link the stronger the influences.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 4

“Chapter Four verses 4 and 5 talk about the medium
and potential of the link both to and from Nimitta.
This link is through Asmitā, though the openness
and motive within the link determines its quality.
Asmitā is the common channel of communication.
However the quality of the link depends on how much
Asmitā is coloured by Kleśa, or uncoloured by Jñāna.
Thus, when Asmitā Kleśa dominates, the link and the
quality of the communication are potentially impaired.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 4-5

“The motive and state of mind of the teacher can
also vary and therefore produce varying results.
Thus the influence may or may not be for good,
depending on the person who is influencing and
the source of their powers; except in the case of Yoga,
because the actions of a Yogin are free of self–interest.
Thus, the motivation and intention of the teacher are
important in helping the student illuminate their Nimitta.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verses 5-6