Yoga Sutra - PURUSA

The Path of The Yoga Sutras: a practical guide to the core of yoga 
     written by Nicolai Bachman

Principle 3 - Purusa
Pure Inner Light of Awareness
Weapons cannot cut this, fire cannot burn this, water cannot wet this, nor can wind make it dry.
-BHAGAVAD GITA 2.23

 "Seated in our heart and pervading every cell of our body lies a conscious, intelligent awareness.  Individual uniqueness is due to our temporary, ever-changing body, breath and mind.  These outer layers of ourselves surround the inner divine light of awareness (purusa or atman), which illuminates the truth and expresses love and compassion."
   As we turn our attention inward through introspection and meditation (samyama), the rational mind softens and opens, allowing indescribable experiences to occur.  This divine inner spectator, also called the seer; quiet, still, changeless, simply watches the activity present in the heart-mind (citta). The tools and techniques provided by Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras are all meant to clear our heart and mind for the single purpose of connecting with this purusa.  These practices reduce impurities, cultivate inner contentment, and cause compassionate presence enabling us to see this divine essence within all sentient beings.

Thoughts
There is an unchanging, pure awareness that illuminates my consciousness
I can catch glimpses of this inner light by quieting my heart-mind and focusing inward
I will practice yoga to clarify my heart-mind and allow the light of awareness to shine through

Exercises
Meditate on the part of you that never changes
How does a belief in a divine entity help people cope with the ups and downs of life?

Sit quietly and ponder why the vast majority of the world's population believes in some higher power, even as more and more mysteries are explained by science.