A Civilizing Practice

Michael explores Patanjali’s teachings on samadhi (Pada 1, 41-51) and points out that if practice becomes too self-focused and too centered on achieving “special” mind states it can be easily co-opted by social forces like institutionalized greed, hatred and delusion. He argues that practice was meant to lead to a cultural and civilizational awakening, not just personal liberation. Recorded on March 16, 2010.