Astanga Yoga and Austerity...

Verse 1.13.51-53 (Ramana Prji):

* Here, SP tells about the things of astanga yogi's.
* Even if we followed all the austerities, it is not possible to attain self-realization so easily.
* The easiest way therefore is: sankirtanam.
* Serve, inquire and learn.
* SP further comments on the material existence: comparing, criticizing, complaining is all that we do.
* In modern society, ppl don't know difference between religion and irreligion.
* So we should first come to the right consciousness.
* Further, SP talks about fasting.
- it is about controlling senses.
- modern man does not know the real meaning of fasting.
- Tongue is the greatest enemy. If we cannot control it, then we cannot control any of the sense.
- Hence, eat nicely prasada, simple!
* All that is needed is
- man mana bhava ... (always think about Krishna, serve Him, worship Him)
- Sadhana, vaisnava network, service, are simple requirements towards this goal of self-realization.