Chapter-2, Sutra 16

Patanjali Yogasutra 2.16

हेयं दुःखमनागतम्

"The suffering that has not yet come can be avoided."

The essence of Patanjali's Sutra 2.16 lies in the proactive approach to dealing with suffering. The term "हेयं" (heyam) means 'to be avoided,' and "दुःख" (duhkha) refers to 'suffering' or 'pain.' "अनागतम्"  signifies 'that which has not yet come' or 'the future.' Thus, Patanjali emphasizes that future suffering can be prevented through present actions. This concept aligns with the broader philosophical tenet of karma, where the seeds of future experiences are sown by present actions. By cultivating wisdom and right conduct, one can avoid the causes of future suffering.

The second layer of this Sutra involves the understanding and management of the kleshas, or grossness, which are the root causes of suffering according to Patanjali. These include ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and clinging to life. By addressing these afflictions through practices such as Cleaning of Heartfulness yoga, meditation, and ethical living, one can diminish their influence and thereby prevent the pain they might cause in the future. This proactive stance encourages mindfulness and self-awareness, guiding individuals to make choices that lead to long-term well-being.

In a broader context, this Sutra reflects a fundamental aspect of yogic philosophy: the potential for self-transformation. It suggests that individuals are not helpless victims of fate but have the power to shape their destiny through conscious effort and spiritual practice. By understanding the causes of suffering and taking steps to mitigate them, one can create a future that is free from unnecessary pain. This transformative potential is a cornerstone of the yogic path, emphasizing the importance of knowledge, discipline, and inner growth.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"Some Karma we have worked out already, some we are working out now in the present, and some is waiting to bear fruit in the future. That which we have worked out already is past and gone.

That which we are experiencing now we will have to work out, and it is only that which is waiting to bear fruit in the future that we can conquer and control, so all our forces should be directed towards the control of that Karma which has not yet borne fruit. That is meant in the previous aphorism, when Patanjali says that these various Samskaras are to be controlled by counteracting waves."

Contextual Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts

Bhagavad Gita 6.17

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु |

युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ||

"He who is temperate in his habits of eating, sleeping, working, and recreation can mitigate all material pains by practicing the yoga system."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita highlights the importance of moderation and balance in life to alleviate suffering. Similar to Patanjali's emphasis on avoiding future suffering through present actions, the Gita advises a balanced lifestyle to prevent the pains caused by excesses and imbalances.

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.4

तं यं विद्वानमृत इह भवति |

नान्यः पन्था विद्यतेऽयनाय ||

"He who knows that Supreme Brahman becomes immortal here. There is no other path for Realization."

This verse emphasizes the Knowledge of the Supreme Self as a means to transcend suffering. It aligns with Patanjali's idea of preventing future suffering by addressing the root cause (ignorance) through self-knowledge and spiritual insight.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.8

मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः |

बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम् ||

"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation for human beings. If attached to sense objects, it leads to bondage; if free from sense objects, it leads to liberation."

The Yoga Vashishta underscores the role of the mind in experiencing suffering or liberation. Similar to Patanjali's focus on avoiding future suffering through present actions, this text suggests that controlling the mind and detaching from sensory objects can prevent future suffering and lead to liberation.