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Abstract

Abstract yoga psychology A system for the cultivation of self-control. In ordinary life the mind is distracted by real and ideal objects and restlessly in flux. Yoga is designed to overcome infestation of the self by objects. By distancing him- or herself from immediate experience, the yogin achieves both passionlessness and mastery. This requires passing through a sequence of deletions of the contents of consciousness. From vitarka, deliberation on ordinary sense experience, one deletes direct experience (abhoga). From reflection, the state thus achieved, one deletes deliberation; from the resulting stage, joy, one deletes reflection; and from the last stage one deletes joy and one has samvid, pure “sense of personality “ without content. The essence of the technique is concentration, facilitated by the repetition of a mystic syllable to attain singleness of intent (Woods, J. H. The Yoga-System of Patanjali, 1914). yohimbine An indole alkaloid and naturally occurring plant product; it has been used in the treatment of impotence and antidepressant-induced sexual dysfunction (such as anorgasmia or decreased libido in either sex). Predominantly an ssssssss2-adrenergic antagonist, yohimbe increases noradrenergic activity and may produce an anxiety syndrome.