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Friday, June 28, 2024

Chapter-1, Sutra 26

Patanjali Yogasutra 1.26

स पूर्वेषामपि गुरुः कालेनानवच्छेदात् ॥ १.२६॥

"He is the Teacher of even the ancient teachers, being not limited by time."

This sutra emphasizes the timeless nature of the Ultimate Teacher, often interpreted as Ishvara or God. Patanjali asserts that this Supreme Teacher transcends time and has been the guide for all previous teachers. This concept highlights the eternal and unchanging wisdom that is beyond the constraints of temporal existence.

In the context of yoga, this sutra underscores the importance of seeking guidance from a Source that is not bound by the limitations of human experience. It suggests that True Knowledge and enlightenment come from a Divine Source that has always existed and will continue to exist, unaffected by the passage of time. This eternal Teacher is seen as the ultimate authority and source of all wisdom, guiding practitioners through their spiritual journey.

Furthermore, this sutra can be interpreted as a reminder of the continuity of spiritual knowledge. It reassures practitioners that the path they are following has been walked by countless others before them, under the guidance of this timeless teacher. This continuity provides a sense of security and trust in the teachings of yoga, knowing that they are rooted in an eternal and unchanging truth.

Similar Verses from Vedic Texts

Bhagavad Gita 4.7-8:

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत |
अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ||7||
परित्राणाय साधूनां विनाशाय च दुष्कृताम् |
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय सम्भवामि युगे युगे ||8||

"Whenever there is a decline in righteousness and an increase in unrighteousness, O Arjuna, at that time I manifest myself on earth. To protect the righteous, to annihilate the wicked, and to reestablish the principles of dharma, I appear millennium after millennium."

Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.3:

 सर्वविद्या प्रतिष्ठं ब्रह्मणो विद्या प्रतिष्ठं।

"All knowledge is established in Brahman, the Ultimate Reality."

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.3:

 सर्वं ब्रह्ममयं जगत्।

"The entire universe is pervaded by Brahman."

These verses from various Vedic texts echo the idea of an eternal, all-encompassing Source of wisdom and guidance, similar to the concept presented in Patanjali Yogasutra 1.26. They emphasize the timeless and universal nature of spiritual knowledge and the Divine presence that guides and sustains it.

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