Sara Wellham

Though all of the yamas (restraints) and niyamas (ethical observances) have the potential to draw us into the various levels of samādhi mentioned in sūtra 1.17, īśvarapraṇidhāna is the only one that is mentioned as being specifically capable of creating “perfection in samādhi” (samādhi-siddhiḥ), and is indeed the only one that mentions samādhi at all. By focusing all of our energy into our highest ideal, a state of enhanced relationship with that ideal will undoubtedly ensue, just as when we focus all of our energy on any goal in life and come to a level of mastery and understanding with it never before imaginable.  Īśvara is the shortcut to samādhi (meditative absorption). Īśvara can be a chosen deity, a mentor, a supreme ideal, etc. When one wholeheartedly devotes themselves to the Īśvara of their choice, the commentators say, they will overcome the activity of the mind and efficiently achieve the samādhi state.

Svādhyāya (Devanagari: स्वाध्याय) is a Sanskrit term in Hinduism having several meanings, including study of the Vedas and other sacred books, self-recitation, repetition of the Vedas aloud, and as a term for the Vedas themselves. Svādhyāya is extolled in orthodox Brahmanism in its traditional sense as "study of the scriptures and darśanas which help the understanding of the nature of the Paramātman." Some translators simply use the word "study" without qualifying the type of study.  A more Western interpretation may be to recognise the difference between ignorance ("ignore") and Svadhyaya (learning through awareness and openness).It is in being open and aware to everything around us that we contimue our lifelong journey of learning and growing.  Only by ignoring our experiences do we become ignorant.  So we should endeavour to live in a more "aware" and "open" state.

Tapas (tapas, Sanskrit: तपस्) means deep meditation, effort to achieve self-realization; it is derived from the word root tap (Sanskrit: तप् or ताप) which depending on context means "heat" from fire or weather, or blaze, burn, shine, penance, pain, suffering, mortification.

In the yogic tradition it is the fire that burns within that is needed for the sanyasi to achieve the very difficult goal of enlightenment, to foster self-control, one mindedness and focus, simplicity, wisdom, integrity. It is used to develop and discipline the body, mind and character; control of mind; satisfaction of all desires - through discipline of body, correct speech, telling only the truth, correct thought, non violence, correct action, love for all, developing the ability to remain tranquil and balanced in every situation, act without any selfish motive or thought of reward.