Patanjali Yogasutra 2.40
(Saucha)
शौचात् स्वाङ्गजुगुप्सा परैरसंसर्गः || 2.40 ||
"From cleanliness (śauca), there arises distaste for one's own body and non-association with others."
In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the importance of cleanliness (śauca), which is one of the five Niyamas or observances in yoga. The verse suggests that practicing cleanliness not only leads to physical purity but also has profound psychological and spiritual effects. It results in a kind of detachment or distaste (jugupsā) towards one's own body, acknowledging its impermanence and limitations. This detachment is not about self-loathing but rather a deeper understanding that the body is merely a vessel and should not be overly attached to.
Further, this detachment from one's own body naturally leads to non-association (asaṁsarga) with others in terms of physical or superficial relationships. When a yogi realizes the transient nature of the body, the desire for physical association with others diminishes, promoting a life of celibacy or controlled interaction. The Sutra reflects the yogic principle that the body should be kept pure and well-maintained but not glorified or indulged in, as it is not the true self.
This verse can also be interpreted as fostering a sense of discernment between the self (Atman) and the physical body. The practice of cleanliness is both internal and external—purifying thoughts and emotions, in addition to the body. This purified state is conducive to deeper meditative practices where the yogi can transcend bodily concerns and focus on the True Nature of the Self, leading to spiritual liberation.
Swami Vivekananda said:
"When there is real purification of the body, external and internal, there arises neglect of the body, and all this idea of keeping it nice will vanish. What others call the most beautiful face to the Fog/ will appear to be an animal's face, if there is not intelligence behind it. What the world will call a very common face he will call heavenly, if that spirit shines behind it. This thirst after body is the great bane of human life. So, when this purity is established, the first sign will be that you do not care to think you are a body. It is only when purity comes that we get rid of this body idea."
Comparative Analysis with Similar Vedic Texts
Manusmriti (2.40)
शौचमाचरतो नित्यं योगः संन्यस्तकर्मणः।
द्वंद्वं ममत्वं भ्रांतं च हित्वा योगमवाप्नुयात्।।
"By practicing cleanliness regularly, a person who has renounced actions and attachments can overcome dualities, delusion, and attain union (yoga)."
This verse from the Manusmriti underscores the importance of cleanliness in the path of yoga.
Similar to Patanjali’s Sutra, it highlights that cleanliness is a means to transcend dualities and delusions, leading towards spiritual union.
Bhagavad Gita (17.14)
देवद्विजगुरुप्राज्ञपूजनं शौचमार्जवम्।
ब्रह्मचर्यमहिंसा च शारीरं तप उच्यते।।
"Worship of the gods, the twice-born, teachers, and the wise, cleanliness, simplicity, celibacy, and non-violence—these are said to be austerities of the body."
In the Bhagavad Gita, cleanliness (śauca) is mentioned as one of the physical austerities that aid in the spiritual progress of a yogi. This parallels Patanjali's emphasis on śauca as a foundational practice that purifies and prepares the body and mind for higher spiritual practices.
Chandogya Upanishad (7.26.2)
तपः शौचं सत्यं धृतिश्च शमः शान्तिर्दानं च धीः स्मृतिः।
महात्मनः कर्मणां साक्षिणः पश्यन्ति तत्त्वं तपसा ह्यश्न्वत्।।
"Purification, truthfulness, steadfastness, tranquility, and peacefulness are witnessed by the wise through austerity and purification, as they perceive the Truth."
This Upanishadic verse indicates that purification (śauca) is integral to perceiving the Ultimate Truth, much like how Patanjali's emphasis on cleanliness helps one transcend physical attachments and understand the True Nature of the Self.
These texts collectively emphasize that cleanliness is not merely a physical act but an essential spiritual discipline that leads to deeper Self-Realization and detachment from worldly attachments, aligning closely with the teachings of Patanjali.
No comments:
Post a Comment