Patanjali Yogasutra 2.34
वितर्का हिंसादयः कृतकारितानुमोदिता लोभक्रोधमोहपूर्वका मृदुमध्याधिमात्रा दुःखाज्ञानानन्तफला इति प्रतिपक्षभावनम्
"Negative thoughts such as violence, whether committed, caused, or approved, and whether arising from greed, anger, or delusion, whether mild, moderate, or intense, result in endless suffering and ignorance. Thus, one should cultivate the opposite attitude (Pratipaksha Bhavana)."
In this Sutra, Patanjali addresses the concept of "Vritti" or mental fluctuations that are harmful, such as violence (हिंसा) and other negative tendencies. These tendencies can manifest in three ways: by being directly committed, encouraged in others, or through silent approval. The roots of these negative tendencies lie in greed, anger, and delusion, which can vary in intensity from mild (मृदु) to moderate (मध्यम) to intense (अधिमात्रा). The consequences of these actions are severe, leading to immense suffering (दुःख) and ignorance (अज्ञान). To counteract such negative thoughts, Patanjali suggests practicing "Pratipaksha Bhavana," which involves cultivating the opposite positive thoughts or attitudes to counterbalance the harmful ones.
The practice of Pratipaksha Bhavana is a profound psychological tool in Patanjali’s system. It encourages an individual to be aware of their destructive tendencies and to consciously replace them with constructive and positive thoughts. This practice not only helps in curbing the immediate negative thoughts but also works to recondition the mind over time, fostering a more peaceful and balanced state of being. The Sutra emphasizes the power of the mind in determining one's actions and the resultant outcomes in life.
Moreover, this Sutra highlights the interconnectedness of thoughts, actions, and consequences. It is a reminder that even seemingly insignificant thoughts can lead to significant results, reinforcing the need for vigilant self-awareness and the importance of ethical conduct. This approach aligns with the broader yogic philosophy, where the ultimate goal is to achieve a state of inner peace and enlightenment through the purification of the mind and the cultivation of virtuous qualities.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"If I tell I lie, or cause another to tell a lie, or approve of another doing so, it is equally sinful. If it is a very mild lie, it is still a lie. Every vicious thought will rebound, every thought of hatred which you have thought, in a cave even, is stored up, and will one day come back to you with tremendous power in the form of some misery here. If you project all sorts of hatred and jealousy, they will rebound on you with compound interest. No power can avert them; when once you have put them in motion you will have to bear them. Remembering this, will prevent you from doing wicked things."
Contextual Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 2.62-63
ध्यायतो विषयान्पुंसः सङ्गस्तेषूपजायते।
सङ्गात्सञ्जायते कामः कामात्क्रोधोऽभिजायते॥
क्रोधाद्भवति सम्मोहः सम्मोहात्स्मृतिविभ्रमः।
स्मृतिभ्रंशाद् बुद्धिनाशो बुद्धिनाशात्प्रणश्यति॥
"When a person dwells on the objects of the senses, attachment to them arises; from attachment, desire is born; from desire, anger arises. From anger comes delusion; from delusion, loss of memory; from loss of memory, the destruction of discrimination; and from the destruction of discrimination, one is lost."
These verses from the Bhagavad Gita highlight the destructive chain reaction that begins with attachment (Sangah) and leads to the downfall of the individual,
much like how Patanjali discusses the chain of violence leading to suffering and ignorance. Both emphasize the need for mental discipline and control to avoid the downward spiral of negative emotions.
Yoga Vashishta 15.7
चित्तमेव हि संसारं तत्प्रयत्नेन शोधनम्।
शुद्धे चित्ते महात्मानः कृतार्था इव राजते॥
"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation; therefore, one should strive for its purification. When the mind is purified, the great souls shine forth as though they have achieved their purpose."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta resonates with Patanjali's teaching on
Pratipaksha Bhavana. Both texts emphasize the mind's role in creating either bondage (through negative thoughts like violence) or liberation (through positive, purified thoughts). The practice of cultivating opposite thoughts can be seen as a means to purify the mind, leading to spiritual liberation.
Manusmriti 6.46
न बुद्धिर्न बलं तस्य नाल्पा विद्या न पौरुषम्।
योऽसद्भिः सह सम्पृक्तो न तथा बुद्धिमांस्तथा॥
"He who associates with the wicked neither gains intellect, nor strength, nor even a little learning, nor does he become valorous. On the other hand, the wise avoid such association and gain wisdom, strength, learning, and valor."
This verse from the Manusmriti underlines the importance of association, akin to the idea in Patanjali's Sutra where negative actions, whether committed, instigated, or approved, lead to suffering. Both texts suggest the importance of discerning association and thoughts, advocating for the cultivation of positive and virtuous qualities to avoid the detrimental effects of negative influences.
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