Here’s one man who has impressed me so much. Nobody knows who he was or much details about him. His work is compiled under a pseudonym. His work on Yoga is what I consider the best and many others do. When there is a such brilliant piece of work written by someone, the natural tendency for people many centuries ago was to associate this person with some divine powers. Hence Patañjali was known as reincarnation of Adisesa, the serpent used by Vishnu during meditation. Adisesa provides sthiram and sukham. Vishnu also has Garuda the eagle to take him anywhere he wants. The serpent and the eagle are such opposite forces, but they coexist here for Vishnu. The reasoning why Adisesa was chosen for Vishnu’s support for meditation was that Adisesa was associated with a mature personality who has gone through a lot in life. Adisesa is also supporting the Earth on his head and taking care of Vishnu, who has an important job to perform as the Preserver of the Universe. Vishnu  needs a strong support and wisdom as a guide in Adisesa. A lot of stories are symbolic in Hinduism. Kausthub Desikachar writes Patañjali Unplugged, an interesting article on Patañjali .

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By Kausthub Desikachar

I was spell bound at the spectacle that beheld me. A couple of years ago, I was invited to witness a baseball match in San Diego. Never having watched one before, I presumed that it was one of those super bowl matches, and was all excited at the prospect. I accepted immediately and soon the day arrived. My hosts were busy preparing for the game – packing lunches, water and other things that they may come in needy. Soon we left and were on our way to the “stadium”. It turned out to be a park with loads of picnic benches around and we soon occupied those “treasured seats” with the best-promised view of the game. When the teams soon arrived, and play began, it was the moment when I turned pale with shock. The game was between “Iyengar Yogis” and “Ashtanga Yogis”, and it was probably one of the most aggressive sports matches I had ever witnessed. The animosity between the two teams went beyond just the game. This pained me deeply. (more…)