Patanjali Yogasutra 2.26
विवेकख्यातिरविप्लवा हानोपायः ||2.26||
"Unwavering discernment (Viveka Khyati) is the means of liberation (Hāna)."
In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the concept of Viveka Khyati, which is the unshakable and continuous awareness of the distinction between the Seer (Purusha) and the Seen (Prakriti). This discernment is described as the key to liberation from suffering and ignorance. The term "विवेक" (Viveka) refers to the faculty of discrimination, where one can discern the True Nature of Reality. "ख्याति" (Khyati) means Knowledge or Awareness, and "अविप्लवा" (Aviplava) indicates that this Awareness must be constant and unwavering. Thus, the Sutra teaches that only through sustained and uninterrupted discernment can one achieve freedom from the bondage of ignorance.
Patanjali's emphasis on discernment reflects a central theme in the Yoga Sutras, where the mind is trained to see beyond illusions and attachments. The idea is that once the yogi achieves a state of continuous awareness of the difference between the Self and the non-self, they are no longer influenced by the fluctuations of the mind (vrittis). This unwavering discernment ultimately leads to the cessation of suffering (dukkha) and the Realization of the True Self, which is Pure Consciousness or Purusha.
This Sutra also suggests that liberation (Hāna) is not something that happens by chance or as a result of external circumstances. Instead, it is a conscious process achieved through the cultivation of Viveka Khyati. The disciplined practice of yoga, along with this discernment, paves the way for the dissolution of ignorance (Avidya) and the attainment of Kaivalya (Realization of the Self).
Swami Vivekanand said:
"This is the Real Goal of practice — discrimination between the Real and unreal, knowing that the Purusa is not Nature, that it is neither matter nor mind, and that because it is not Nature, it cannot possibly change. It is only Nature which changes, combining, and recombining, dissolving continually. When through constant practice we begin to discriminate, ignorance will vanish, and the Purusa will begin to shine in its real nature, omniscient, omnipotent, omnipresent."
Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 2.50
बुद्धियुक्तो जहातीह उभे सुकृतदुष्कृते |
तस्माद्योगाय युज्यस्व योग: कर्मसु कौशलम् || 50||
"One who prudently practices work without attachment can get rid of both good and bad reactions in this life itself. Therefore, strive for Yoga, which is skill in action."
In the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna emphasizes the concept of "Yoga" as skill in action. This can be interpreted as the ability to act with discernment and wisdom, aligning with the concept of Viveka Khyati in the Yoga Sutras. Both texts highlight the importance of awareness and discrimination in leading a life of purpose and spiritual progress.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9
भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिः छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः।
क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे।।
"When He is seen, both the high and low, the knot of the heart is cut, all doubts are dispelled, and all his karma is exhausted."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad mirrors the idea of discernment leading to liberation. Here, "seeing" or Realizing the Supreme Reality leads to the unraveling of the "knot of the heart," which symbolizes ignorance and attachment. The dispelling of doubts and the cessation of karma (actions leading to rebirth) are akin to the liberation discussed in Patanjali's Sutra.
Yoga Vashishta 6.2.98
विचारो हि महात्मानां, कार्यं विप्लवहारिणः।
अतोऽन्यथा शरण्यस्य, शरणं नास्ति कर्हिचित्।।
"Discernment indeed is the duty of great souls, for it removes confusion. Besides this, there is no other refuge for the seeker."
The Yoga Vashishta reiterates the importance of discernment (Vichara) as the only reliable means for those seeking liberation. It aligns with Patanjali's teaching that unwavering discernment is essential for overcoming the illusions of the material world and attaining true freedom.
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