Question from Michael: Is there a difference?

Marcia's statement/ observation: "I kept persisting, which really is a crucial requirement, and about 35 minutes in, the mind shifted inside and noted a train of thought.  At this point awareness was vague. It was by what happened immediately thereafter that I could really verify the internalization."  

Patanjali's stipulation: "When the connection with the mento-emotional energy momentarily ceases during the manifestation and disappearance phases when there is expression or suppression of the impressions, that is the restraint of the transforming mento-emotional energy. (Yoga Sutra 3.9)"

I have underlined what I see as a difference:The lapse of time between mento-emotional activities as they just ceased and right before they resume is the focal point in inSelf Yoga, as previously stressed by Rishi in his teachings.

And, that bears an additional difference between the generator of thoughts (even from outsourced origins) as the realizing element itself, to the psychic observer located further back in the subtle (and supersubtle) head.  

Michael's statements:

"Is there really a difference?

Perhaps there is.

If I ask someone to focus on the images and sounds from a television, is that different to if I requested the person to ignore the images and only think of the gadget, the television."

I agree that there is also distinction in this aspect:

• The object as the projector and the generator (that may use external elements).
• The absence of that generator, by inactivity.
• And the observer, at a viewing/ perceiving distance.

The observer ultimate interest is to direct its resources and interest and attention onto itself, within that precious ephemeral lapse.

Thank you for sharing this great experience. It's very interesting to observe and analyze the similarities, as they assist me in reviewing my practice and think deeper on my methods.