Patanjali Yogasutra 2.2
समाधिभावनार्थः क्लेशतनूकरणार्थश्च ॥ २.२॥
"The practice of yoga is for cultivating samadhi (meditative absorption) and for the attenuation of the afflictions (kleshas)."
Patanjali's Yogasutra 2.2 emphasizes the dual purpose of yogic practice. Firstly, it aims to cultivate samadhi, a state of deep meditative absorption where the mind becomes fully focused and unified. This state is considered the pinnacle of yogic practice, leading to profound Inner Peace and Self-Realization. By achieving samadhi, practitioners can transcend the ordinary fluctuations of the mind and experience a higher state of consciousness.
Secondly, the Sutra highlights the importance of reducing the kleshas, or afflictions, which are mental and emotional obstacles that hinder spiritual progress. These afflictions include ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death. By practicing yoga, one can gradually weaken these afflictions, leading to a more balanced and harmonious state of being. This process involves self-discipline, self-study, and surrender to a higher power, which are essential components of the yogic path.
In essence, this Sutra encapsulates the transformative power of yoga. It not only provides a method for achieving a state of deep meditation but also offers a means to purify the mind and reduce suffering. By addressing both the attainment of samadhi and the reduction of kleshas, Patanjali presents a comprehensive approach to spiritual growth and Self-Realization.
Swami Vivekanand says:
"Most of us make our minds like spoiled children, allowing them to do whatever they want. Therefore, it is necessary that there should be constant practice of tapas, in order to gain control of the mind, and bring it into subjection. The obstructions to Yoga arise from lack of this control, and cause us pain. They can only be removed by denying the mind, and holding it in check, through these various means."
Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 6.15:
युञ्जन्नेवं सदात्मानं योगी नियतमानसः।
शान्तिं निर्वाणपरमां मत्संस्थामधिगच्छति॥ ६.१५॥
"Thus, always keeping the mind absorbed in the Self, the yogi, with a disciplined mind, attains Peace that culminates in Realization and resides in Me."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of a disciplined mind and constant absorption in the Self, leading to ultimate peace and liberation, similar to the goal of samadhi in Patanjali's Sutra.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9:
भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः।
क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे॥ ३.२.९॥
"When the knot of the heart is broken, all doubts are resolved, and all karmas are destroyed, then the seer beholds the Supreme."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad speaks to the dissolution of inner knots and doubts, akin to the attenuation of kleshas in Patanjali's Sutra, leading to the realization of the Supreme.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.32:
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम्॥ ६.१.३२॥
"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 Realization."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta highlights the role of the mind in bondage and liberation, resonating with Patanjali's emphasis on controlling the mind to reduce afflictions and achieve samadhi.
These comparisons illustrate the consistent theme across various Vedic texts of using disciplined practice and mental control to achieve higher states of consciousness and liberation.
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