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Sunday, July 14, 2024

Chapter-1, Sutra 43

Patanjali Yogasutra 1.43

स्मृतिपरिशुद्धौ स्वरूपशून्येवार्थमात्रनिर्भासा निर्वितर्का ॥ १.४३॥

"When the memory is purified, the mind becomes quiet and only the object of meditation shines forth. This is called Nirvitarka Samadhi."


In this Sutra, Patanjali describes a state of deep meditation known as Nirvitarka Samadhi. This state is achieved when the memory (smriti) is purified, meaning it is free from past impressions and distractions. In this purified state, the mind loses its own identity and becomes completely absorbed in the object of meditation. The mind no longer projects its own thoughts or interpretations onto the object; instead, the object alone shines forth in its true form. This level of meditation is characterized by a profound stillness and clarity, where the meditator experiences the essence of the object without any mental distortions.

The concept of Nirvitarka Samadhi emphasizes the importance of mental purity and focus in achieving Higher States of Consciousness. By purifying the memory and eliminating distractions, the mind can transcend its usual patterns of thought and perception. This allows the meditator to experience Reality directly, without the interference of the ego or personal biases. In this state, the mind becomes a clear mirror, reflecting the true nature of the object of meditation.

This Sutra highlights the transformative power of meditation in achieving Self-Realization and spiritual growth. By attaining Nirvitarka Samadhi, the meditator can experience a profound sense of unity with the object of meditation, leading to a deeper understanding of the self and the universe. This State of Pure Awareness is a key milestone on the path to enlightenment, as it allows the meditator to transcend the limitations of the mind and experience the Ultimate Reality.

Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts

Bhagavad Gita 6.19:

यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता।
योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मनः॥ ६.१९॥

"As a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, so is the comparison for a yogi whose mind is controlled and who practices Union with the Self."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita compares the steady mind of a yogi to a lamp in a windless place, emphasizing the importance of a still mind in achieving union with the Self, similar to the state of Nirvitarka Samadhi described by Patanjali.

Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.8:

यदा पश्यः पश्यते रुक्मवर्णं कर्तारमीशं पुरुषं ब्रह्मयोनिम्।
तदा विद्वान् पुण्यपापे विधूय निरञ्जनः परमं साम्यमुपैति॥ ३.१.८॥

"When the seer sees the golden-colored creator, the Lord, the Purusha, the source of Brahman, then the wise one, shaking off all deeds of merit and demerit, becomes stainless and attains Supreme Equality."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad describes the Realization of the Ultimate Reality, where the seer perceives the Divine Essence and attains a State of purity and equality, akin to the experience of Nirvitarka Samadhi.

Yoga Vashishta 

चित्तस्य हि प्रसादेन हन्ति कर्म शुभाशुभम्।
तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन प्रसादं कुरु चित्तस्य॥ ६.१.३२॥

"By the tranquility of the mind, one destroys both good and bad deeds. Therefore, with all effort, cultivate the tranquility of the mind."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta emphasizes the importance of mental tranquility in transcending the dualities of good and bad deeds, resonating with the idea of mental purity and focus in achieving higher states of Consciousness as described in Patanjali's Yogasutra.

These verses collectively highlight the significance of mental purity, focus, and tranquility in the pursuit of spiritual growth and Self-Realization, aligning with the teachings of Patanjali's Yogasutra.


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