Chapter-1, Sutra 50

Patanjali Yogasutra 1.50 

तज्जः संस्कारोऽन्यसंस्कारप्रतिबन्धी ॥ १.५०॥

"The resulting impression from this Samadhi obstructs all other impressions."

This Sutra emphasizes the transformative power of deep meditation or Samadhi. When a practitioner reaches a profound state of Samadhi, the impressions (samskaras) formed are so potent that they can override and suppress other existing impressions. In simpler terms, the deep meditative state creates a new, dominant mental pattern that can inhibit the influence of previous, less beneficial patterns.

The significance of this Sutra lies in its implication for spiritual growth and mental purification. By consistently practicing Samadhi, one can gradually diminish the hold of past negative impressions, which often manifest as distractions, fears, or undesirable habits. This process leads to a more focused, serene, and enlightened state of mind, paving the way for higher spiritual achievements.

Moreover, this Sutra highlights the importance of sustained and disciplined practice. The new samskara formed through Samadhi is not just a fleeting impression but a powerful, enduring one that can bring about lasting change. This underscores the transformative potential of yoga and meditation in reshaping one's mental landscape and fostering inner peace and clarity.

Swami Vivekanand says:

"How countless these old past impressions must be, all lodge somewhere in the chitta, ready, waiting like tigers to jump up. These have to be suppressed that the one idea which we like may arise, to the exclusion of the others. Instead, they are all struggling to come up at the same time. These are the various powers of the samskaras in hindering concentration of the mind, so this Samadhi which has just been given is the best to be practised, on account of its power of suppressing the samskaras. The samskara which will be raised by this sort of concentration will be so powerful that it will hinder the action of the others, and hold them in check."

Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts

Bhagavad Gita 6.35

असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम्। अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते॥

"Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed, the mind is difficult to control and restless, but it can be controlled by practice and detachment."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita resonates with the idea of overcoming mental distractions through disciplined practice, similar to the concept of forming powerful samskaras through Samadhi.

Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9

भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः। क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन दृष्टे परावरे॥

"When the knot of the heart is pierced, all doubts are dispelled, and all his karmas are destroyed, when He is beheld, both high and low."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad speaks to the transformative power of spiritual Realization, which dissolves past karmas and doubts, akin to how deep Samadhi can supplant past samskaras.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.32

चित्तस्य हि प्रसादेन हन्ति कर्माशयं नृणाम्। तस्मात्सर्वप्रयत्नेन प्रसादं कुरु चित्ततः॥

"By the Grace of the mind, the repository of karma is destroyed. Therefore, by all efforts, make the mind gracious."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta emphasizes the importance of mental purity and grace in overcoming the repository of past karmas, aligning with the idea of forming powerful, positive samskaras through deep meditation.

These verses collectively highlight the profound impact of disciplined spiritual practice on the mind and its impressions, reinforcing the teachings of Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.50.