Patanjali Yogasutra 1.35:
विषयवती वा प्रवृत्तिरुत्पन्ना मनसः स्थितिनिबन्धिनी ॥ १.३५॥
"When the mind becomes steady by concentrating on a sense object, it leads to stability of the mind."
Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.35 highlights the importance of focusing the mind on sensory experiences to achieve mental stability. This sutra suggests that when the mind is directed towards a specific sensory object, it can help in stabilizing and calming the mind. This practice is particularly useful for those who find it challenging to concentrate during meditation. By focusing on a tangible object, the mind is less likely to wander, thus fostering a state of mental steadiness.
The concept of using sensory experiences as a tool for concentration is rooted in the idea that the mind can be trained to focus on external stimuli to achieve internal calmness. This method is beneficial for beginners in meditation who may struggle with abstract forms of concentration. By engaging the senses, practitioners can gradually train their minds to remain focused, which eventually leads to deeper states of meditation and mental clarity.
In essence, this sutra emphasizes the practical approach to achieving mental stability through sensory concentration. It acknowledges the natural tendency of the mind to be drawn towards sensory objects and leverages this tendency to cultivate a state of steadiness. This approach is a testament to the adaptability and inclusiveness of Patanjali's teachings, providing various methods to suit different practitioners' needs.
Swami Vivekanand says:
"This naturally comes with dharana (concentration). The yogis say, if the mind becomes concentrated on the tip of the nose, one begins to smell, after a few days, wonderful perfumes. If it becomes concentrated at the root of the tongue, one begins to hear sounds; if on the tip of the tongue, one begins to taste wonderful flavours; if on the middle of the tongue, one feels as if he were coming in contact with something. If one concentrates his mind on the palate, he begins to see peculiar things. If a man whose mind is disturbed wants to take up some of these practices of Yoga, yet doubts the truth of them, he will have his doubts set at rest, when, after a little practice, these things come to him, and he will persevere."
Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts
Katha Upanishad 2.1.1:
ऊर्ध्वमूलमधःशाखमश्वत्थं प्राहुरव्ययम्।
छन्दांसि यस्य पर्णानि यस्तं वेद स वेदवित्॥ २.१.१॥
"They speak of the eternal Ashvattha tree with its roots above and branches below, whose leaves are the Vedas; he who knows this tree is the knower of the Vedas."
This verse from the Katha Upanishad uses the metaphor of a tree to describe the structure of the universe and the importance of Knowledge. Similar to Patanjali's emphasis on sensory concentration, this verse highlights the significance of understanding and focusing on the fundamental truths of existence.
Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1.1:
सत्यं ज्ञानमनन्तं ब्रह्म। यो वेद निहितं गुहायां परमे व्योमन्।
सोऽश्नुते सर्वान् कामान् सह ब्रह्मणा विपश्चिता॥ २.१.१॥
"Brahman is Truth, Knowledge, and Infinity. He who knows that Brahman, hidden in the cave of the heart and in the highest heaven, attains all desires along with the omniscient Brahman."
This verse emphasizes the importance of Inner Knowledge and Realization, akin to Patanjali's focus on internal concentration to achieve mental stability.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.1:
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम्॥ ६.१.१॥
"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation for human beings. Attached to sense objects, it leads to bondage; free from sense objects, it leads to liberation."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta aligns closely with Patanjali's teachings, highlighting the dual role of the mind in either binding or liberating an individual based on its focus on sensory objects.
These verses collectively underscore the significance of mental focus and the role of sensory experiences in achieving Higher States of Consciousness, resonating with the teachings of Patanjali's Yogasutra.
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