Patanjali Yogasutra 1.45
सूक्ष्मविषयत्वं चालिङ्गपर्यवसानम् ॥ १.४५॥
"The finer objects end with the Pradhāna (the unmanifested Primordial matter)."
In this Sutra, Patanjali delves into the concept of subtlety in forms. The term "सूक्ष्मविषयत्वं" (sūkṣmaviṣayatvaṃ) refers to the subtlety of the objects of meditation. As one progresses in meditation, the objects of focus become increasingly subtle, moving from gross physical forms to finer, more abstract concepts. This progression signifies a deepening of meditation and understanding.
The phrase "आलिङ्गपर्यवसानम्" (āliṅgaparyavasānam) indicates that these subtle objects culminate in the Pradhāna, which is the unmanifested Primordial matter in Sankhya philosophy. Pradhāna is considered the Source of all material existence, yet it remains unmanifested and beyond ordinary perception. This Sutra suggests that the ultimate aim of meditation is to reach this unmanifested state, transcending all forms and phenomena.
By meditating on these increasingly subtle objects, the practitioner moves closer to understanding the fundamental nature of Reality. This journey from gross to subtle is not just a mental exercise but a transformative process that aligns the practitioner's Consciousness with the underlying principles of existence. It highlights the importance of subtlety and depth in spiritual practice, encouraging a shift from external distractions to internal stillness and insight.
Swami Vivekanand says:
"The gross objects are only the elements, and everything manufactured out of them. The fine objects begin with the tanmatras or fine particles. The organs, the mind, egoism, the mind-stuff (the cause of all manifestation) the equilibrium State of Sattva, Rajas and Tamas materials – called Pradhana (chief), Prakriti (nature), or Avyakta (unmanifest), are all included within the category of fine objects. The Purusa (the soul) alone is excepted from this definition."
Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts
Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.2):
दिव्यो ह्यमूर्तः पुरुषः स बाह्याभ्यन्तरो ह्यजः।
"The Purusha (Supreme Being) is divine, formless, and exists both within and without."
This verse highlights the formless and all-pervading nature of the Supreme Being, akin to the unmanifested Pradhāna in Patanjali's Sutra.
Bhagavad Gita (13.13):
ज्ञेयं यत्तत्प्रवक्ष्यामि यज्ज्ञात्वामृतमश्नुते।
अनादिमत्परं ब्रह्म न सत्तन्नासदुच्यते॥
"I shall now explain that which is to be known, knowing which one attains immortality. It is beginning-less, and it is said to be neither existent nor non-existent."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita describes the Ultimate Reality as beyond existence and non-existence, resonating with the concept of the unmanifested Pradhāna in Patanjali's sutra.
These comparisons illustrate the common theme in Vedic texts of transcending the manifest world to understand the deeper, unmanifested Reality. This journey from the gross to the subtle is a central tenet in many spiritual traditions, emphasizing the importance of inner exploration and meditation.
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