Chapter-1, Sutra 24

Patanjali Yogasutra 1.24

क्लेशकर्मविपाकाशयैरपरामृष्टः पुरुषविशेष ईश्वरः ॥ १.२४॥

 

"Ishvara (the Supreme Ruler) is a special Purusha, untouched by misery, actions, their results, and desires."

This sutra introduces the concept of Ishvara, which represents the Supreme Consciousness or the Divine. Here are the key points:

1. Ishvara: The term "Ishvara" refers to the Ultimate Cosmic Consciousness, beyond human limitations. It is not bound by suffering (kleśa), actions (karma), the fruits of actions (vipāka), or desires (āśaya). Ishvara is the unchanging, eternal essence that transcends the material world.

2. Special Purusha: The sutra describes Ishvara as a "special Purusha." Purusha refers to the individual soul or Consciousness. However, Ishvara is distinct from ordinary souls. It remains unaffected by the fluctuations of life, karma, and emotions.

3. Untouched by Misery and Desires: Ishvara is beyond suffering (kleśa). While ordinary beings experience pain, Ishvara remains untouched by it. Similarly, desires (āśaya) do not bind Ishvara. It exists in a state of Pure Awareness and Bliss.

Comparison with Vedic Texts

Let's explore similar themes from Vedic texts:

Rigveda:

The Rigveda, one of the oldest sacred texts, emphasizes the concept of cosmic order (Ṛta) and the Divine intelligence behind it. In Rigveda, hymns praise the cosmic forces (devas) and recognize their supremacy. These devas represent different aspects of the Divine.

For example, Rigveda 1.164.46 states: 

एकं सद् विप्र बहुधा वदन्ति

"The truth is one; the wise call it by various names." 

This echoes the idea of a singular, all-encompassing Reality beyond human comprehension.

Ishavasya Upanishad:

The Ishavasya Upanishad emphasizes the omnipresence of the Divine (Ishvara) in all aspects of existence.

Verse 1 of the Ishavasya Upanishad states: 

ईशा वास्यं इदं सर्वम्

"All this is enveloped by the Divine."  

It reminds us that everything is interconnected and infused with Divine Consciousness.

Yoga Vasistha:

The Yoga Vasistha, a philosophical text, explores the nature of reality, illusion, and liberation. It discusses the concept of the unchanging Self (Atman) beyond the transient world. Just as Ishvara remains untouched by karma, the Self is beyond the play of actions and their results.

In summary, Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.24 introduces us to Ishvara, the special Purusha beyond suffering and desires. This concept resonates with similar themes found in Vedic texts, emphasizing the eternal, unchanging Reality that underlies our existence.