171. Supersensational perception & PTSD... right!?

In Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras, Verse 1:35 takes us into an intriguing realm of heightened perception. The verse in Sanskrit is:

विषयवती वा प्रवृत्तिरुत्पन्ना मनसः स्थितिनिबन्धिनी।
Viṣayavatī vā pravṛttirutpannā manasaḥ sthitinibandhinī.

This sutra suggests that focusing on heightened or extraordinary sensory perceptions can help stabilize the mind. Commentaries often discuss supernormal sensory experiences—exquisite taste, extraordinary hearing, and other heightened faculties—as tools that lead to a steady and stable mental state. However, Jeff offers a different perspective, questioning whether such interpretations align with the yoga practice in the modern world.

The discussion shifts to Vipassana meditation, a powerful practice emphasizing mindfulness and sensory awareness. Specifically, the techniques taught in the 10-day silent meditation retreats of S.N. Goenka are highlighted as profoundly transformative. Practitioners spend up to 11 hours a day in stillness, focusing on subtle sensations, often starting with the simple act of observing the breath at the tip of the nose. This disciplined attention to minute perceptions cultivates a sharpness of awareness and clarity of mind.

Jeff shares how this practice was instrumental in addressing his undiagnosed PTSD. By tuning into subtle bodily sensations, he began to unravel deep-seated patterns of trauma. This experience underscores the profound truth that our past does not define our future. Even in the face of challenging histories, the tools of mindfulness and awareness offer a path to healing and transformation, allowing us to cultivate a steady and peaceful mind.