________________
Iṣṭopadeśa - The Golden Discourse
आनन्दो निर्दहत्युद्धं कर्मेन्धनमनारतम् । न चासौ खिद्यते योगी बहिर्दुःखेष्वचेतनः ॥
(48)
The supreme happiness that is generated in the soul acts like the fire that burns the accumulated karmic fuel, and the Yogi remains impervious to external pain, maintaining tranquility.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
The purpose of meditation is to get complete release from the bondage of karmas. Observing vows and tenfold virtues, controlling and regulating activities, contemplating on the true nature of reality, enduring pain and suffering, carrying out external and internal austerities, and following the rules of conduct, help in the stoppage and shedding of karmas. The Yogi, with the help of these essentials, goes deeper and deeper into the Self and achieves greater purity of meditation as he purges his soul of the karmic mire.
The Yogi endures twenty-two hardships or afflictions (pariṣaha) involving bodily discomfort and mental disquiet. He subjugates these afflictions so as not to swerve from the path of stoppage and shedding of karmas. The twenty-two afflictions are hunger, thirst, cold weather, hot weather, insect-bite, nakedness, displeasure, disturbance due to feminine attraction, discomfort arising from roaming, discomfort of posture, uncomfortable couch, insult (scolding), assault (injury), not to beg for favours, lack of gain (not getting food for several days in several homes), illness, pain
120
