I have a question that the AYP AI struggled with, so I am asking the real intelligence for support.
I have been using the nine basic sutras of samyama for a long time, about five years ago I added the “I think I am that” sutra and placed it second to last on my list right before “Akasha lightness of air”, a few months ago I added “renunciation” without removing any sutras, it lengthens my practice by a minute maybe, and it had a really positive side effect, it helped me to refine all my practices to the lower levels ever (my impression) so this is all good.
My question is; Is there a limit to how many sutras one can add to his practice if done over a long time? And how about adding a sutra just for the purpose of its effects and removing it once its goal has been achieved! For example using using “Karma” until an answer is given?
I would suggest not going beyond two additional sutras in your regular sitting practice at any one time. So, if you are already using the Self-Inquiry sutra and the sutra “renunciation” then you could wait until you have finished experimenting with the renunciation sutra and then try replacing that one with “karma”.
Going beyond two additional sutras in the regular sitting practice is possible for very experienced practitioners, although by that stage, they likely would not want to.
Outside of our regular sitting practice time though, things are different. Outside of practices, if we are comfortable with regular Samyama, and stable, we can spend some time each day deliberately engaging in Samyama practice and can use sutras of our choice. If you want to try this, I would suggest starting with ten minutes a day and building up gradually. We can even use negative sutras. So, for example, we could use sutras such as “peace”, “stillness” and “grace”, as well as “frustration”, “fear” and “sadness”. If we are building up gradually over time, there is no limit to the number of sutras we can use, or the length of time of our Samyama practice. In fact, as we practice yoga over the long term, eventually Samyama becomes automatic in the mind and every thought, emotion, memory, and belief is released automatically into silence the moment it arises.