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Friday, July 12, 2024

Chapter-1, Sutra 41

 Patanjali Yogasutra 1.41

क्षीणवृत्तेरभिजातस्येव मणेर्ग्रहीतृग्रहणग्राह्येषु तत्स्थतदञ्जनतासमापत्तिः।

"When the modifications of the mind have become weakened, the mind becomes like a transparent crystal, and thus can easily take on the qualities of whatever object is observed - whether it be the perceiver (Grahitri), the perceiving (Grahanna), or the object of perception (Grahyesu). This achievement of sameness or identity with the object of concentration is known as samapatti."

In this sutra, Patanjali describes a state of mind where the fluctuations and distractions (vrittis) have been subdued. When the mind reaches this state, it becomes as clear and pure as a crystal. Just as a crystal takes on the color of any object placed near it, the mind in this state can perfectly reflect the qualities of the object it focuses on. This means that the mind can become one with the object of its concentration, whether it is the perceiver, the act of perceiving, or the object being perceived.

This sutra emphasizes the importance of achieving a state of mental clarity and purity. When the mind is free from distractions and disturbances, it can fully immerse itself in the object of focus. This immersion leads to a deep understanding and connection with the object, which is a crucial aspect of achieving Higher States of Consciousness in yoga. The concept of samapatti, or complete absorption, is central to the practice of yoga and meditation, as it allows the practitioner to transcend the ordinary limitations of the mind and experience a state of unity with the object of meditation.

Furthermore, this sutra highlights the interconnectedness of the perceiver, the act of perceiving, and the object of perception. In the state of samapatti, these three elements merge into one, eliminating the duality and separation that typically characterize our experience of reality. This merging leads to a profound sense of Oneness and unity, which is a key goal of yogic practice. By achieving this state, the practitioner can experience a deeper level of Awareness and insight, ultimately leading to spiritual growth and enlightenment.

Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts

Bhagavad Gita 6.19:

यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता।
योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मनः॥

"Just as a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, so the disciplined mind of a yogi remains steady in meditation on the Supreme."

Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.3:

यदा पश्यः पश्यते रुक्मवर्णं कर्तारमीशं पुरुषं ब्रह्मयोनिम्।
तदा विद्वान् पुण्यपापे विधूय निरञ्जनः परमं साम्यमुपैति॥

"When the seer sees the golden-colored Creator, the Lord, the Purusha, the Source of Brahman, then the wise one, shaking off all merits and demerits, becomes stainless and attains Supreme equality."

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.32:

चित्तं चित्तत्वमापन्नं चित्ते चित्तं प्रवर्तते।
चित्तं चित्ते विलीयेत चित्तं चित्ते व्यवस्थितम्॥

"The mind becomes the mind itself, and in the mind, the mind operates. The mind dissolves in the mind, and the mind remains established in the mind."

These verses from the Bhagavad Gita, Mundaka Upanishad, and Yoga Vashishta similarly emphasize the importance of a controlled and focused mind in achieving Higher States of Consciousness and unity with the Self. They highlight the transformative power of meditation and the ultimate goal of attaining a state of oneness and purity, resonating with the teachings of Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.41.


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