Sutra 1.22: mridu madhya adhimatra tatah api vishesha
- mridu = weak, gentle, mild, slow
- madhya = middle, medium
- adhimatra = excessive, intense, stong
- tatah = therefore, due to that, resulting from that, from that
- api = also
- vishesha = individual speciality, definate, extraordinary, distinction
Translated loosely into English;
For those with intense conviction and keen practice, there are 3 subdivisions of practice mild, medium and intense.
Yoga Sutra 1.21 and 1.22 refers to 9 different types of determination and practice. Yoga Sutra 1.21 lets the student know that the fruits of practice will be obtained quicker if the intensity of practice is strong. Yoga Sutra 1.22 lets the student know the various levels of determination, efforts and practice.
Mild Determination + Mild Practice / Mild Determination + Medium Practice / Mild Determination + Intense Practice
Mediocre Determination + Mild Practice / Mediocre Determination + Medium Practice / Mediocre Determination + Intense Practice
Intense Determination + Mild Practice / Intense Determination + Medium Practice / Intense Determination + Intense Practice
These various levels of eagerness to practice gauge how quickly attainment will be obtained. I can certainly agree that at times I have changed from a mild practice to a strong practice, some days are weak, some fervent. I do know that either way, I am headed for the same direction.
Mild practice + mild conviction = Attainment gradually, slow to gain merit
Medium practice + medium conviction = Attainment is attained quite quickly
Strong practice + strong conviction = Attainment will be immediate, definite and direct
It is important for every student to understand that they can attain success regardless of intensity of practice or the fluctuations of conviction.
A good student displays eagerness, effort and acceptance of present moment trials.
Yogini Sadhaka 
Leave a comment