Patanjali Yogasutra 2.4
अविद्या क्षेत्रमुत्तरेषां प्रसुप्ततनुविच्छिन्नोदाराणाम् ॥ २.४॥
"Ignorance is the field for the subsequent afflictions, whether they are dormant, attenuated, interrupted, or active."
Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 2.4 addresses the concept of Avidya (ignorance) as the root cause of all human suffering and afflictions. According to Patanjali, ignorance is not merely a lack of knowledge but a fundamental misperception of Reality. It is the misunderstanding of the true nature of the Self and the world, leading to a distorted view of life. This ignorance manifests in various forms, such as mistaking the impermanent for the permanent, the impure for the pure, and the non-self for the self.
The Sutra further explains that ignorance serves as the fertile ground for other afflictions (kleshas) to arise. These afflictions can exist in different states: dormant (prasupta), attenuated (tanu), interrupted (vicchinna), or active (udara). When ignorance is dormant, it lies hidden and does not actively influence the mind. In its attenuated state, it is weakened but still present. When interrupted, it temporarily ceases to affect the mind but can resurface. In its active state, ignorance fully manifests and drives one's thoughts and actions. Understanding these states helps in recognizing and addressing the root cause of suffering.
By identifying ignorance as the primary source of afflictions, Patanjali emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and knowledge in the path of yoga. The practice of yoga aims to dispel ignorance through self-realization and the cultivation of wisdom. This process involves disciplined practice, ethical conduct, and meditation, leading to a clear perception of Reality and liberation from suffering. The Ultimate Goal is to transcend ignorance and attain a state of Pure Consciousness, where the True Nature of the Self is realized.
Swami Vivekanand says:
"Impressions are the cause of these, and these impressions exist in different degrees. There are the dormant. You often hear the expression “innocent as a baby,” yet in the baby may be the state of a demon or of a god which will come out by and by. In the yogi these impressions, the samskaras left by past actions, are attenuated; that is, in a very fine state, and he can control them, and not allow them to become manifest. Overpowered means that sometimes one set of impressions is held down for a while by those that are stronger, but they will come out when that repressing cause is removed. The last state is the expanded, when the samskaras, having helpful surroundings, have attained to great activity, either as good or evil."
Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts
Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.12
परिक्ष्य लोकान् कर्मचितान् ब्राह्मणो निर्वेदमायान्नास्त्यकृतः कृतेन।
तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत् समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठम्॥ १२॥
"Having examined the worlds that are gained by actions, a Brahmana should come to the conclusion that they are not eternal. To gain Knowledge of the eternal, he should go, with sacrificial fuel in hand, to a Teacher who is learned in the scriptures and established in Brahman."
Bhagavad Gita 4.34
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया।
उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥ ३४॥
"Learn the Truth by approaching a Spiritual Master. Inquire from him with reverence and render service unto him. Such an enlightened Saint can impart Knowledge unto you because he has seen the Truth."
Yoga Vasistha 6.1.1
अविद्यायाश्च विप्रस्य ज्ञानं भवति कारणम्।
ज्ञानं च विप्रसत्त्वस्य कारणं भवति ध्रुवम्॥ १॥
"Ignorance is the cause of the Brahmana's bondage, and Knowledge is the cause of his liberation. Knowledge is indeed the cause of the Brahmana's True Nature."
These verses from the Vedic texts emphasize the importance of Knowledge and Self-Realization in overcoming ignorance and attaining liberation. They highlight the role of a Teacher and the necessity of disciplined practice and inquiry in the pursuit of wisdom.
No comments:
Post a Comment