Patanjali Yogasutra 2.41
सत्त्वशुद्धिसौमनस्यैकाग्र्येन्द्रियजयात्मदर्शनयोग्यत्वानि च:
"From the purification of the mind (sattva), there arises cheerfulness, one-pointedness, mastery over the senses, and fitness for the Realization of the Self."
In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the profound impact of mental purification on various aspects of spiritual development. The term "सत्त्वशुद्धि" (sattva-shuddhi) refers to the purification or clarification of the mind, often symbolised by the balance and predominance of the sattva guna, which is associated with clarity, lightness, and purity. When the mind is purified, free from the taints of rajas (passion) and tamas
(ignorance), it naturally leads to "सौमनस्य" (saumanasya), which is a state of cheerfulness or inner contentment. This inner joy is not dependent on external circumstances but is a natural outcome of a clear and balanced mind.
Following this cheerfulness, "एकाग्र्य" (ekagrya) or one-pointedness of mind develops. This is a critical state for any spiritual aspirant, as it denotes the ability to focus the mind without distraction. In yogic practice, such concentration is essential for meditation and deeper states of contemplation. As the mind becomes more focused, "इन्द्रियजय" (indriya-jaya) or mastery over the senses naturally follows. The senses, which usually draw the mind outward, are brought under control, allowing the practitioner to turn inward, away from sensory distractions.
Finally, Patanjali concludes that with these qualities—mental purity, cheerfulness, concentration, and sensory mastery—the practitioner becomes "आत्मदर्शनयोग्यत्व" (atma-darshana-yogyatva), fit for the Realization of the Self. This is the Ultimate Goal of yoga, where the purified mind becomes a perfect tool for perceiving and experiencing the true nature of the Self (Atman). The purified mind acts as a clear mirror, reflecting the true Self without distortion. Thus, this Sutra encapsulates the progression from mental purity to the highest Spiritual Realization.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"By this practice the sattva material will prevail, and the mind will become concentrated and cheerful. The first sign that you are become spiritual is that you are becoming cheerful. When a man is gloomy that may be dyspepsia, but it is not spirituality. A pleasurable feeling is the nature of the Sattva. Everything is pleasurable to the Sattvika man, and when this comes, know that you are progressing in Yoga. All pain is caused by Tamas, so you must get rid of that; moroseness is one of the results of Tamas. The strong, the well-knit, the young, the healthy, the daring alone are fit to be Yogis. To the Yogi everything is bliss, every human face that he sees brings cheerfulness to him. That is the sign of a virtuous man. Misery is caused by sin, and by no other cause. What business have you with clouded faces; it is terrible. If you have a clouded face do not go out that day, shut yourself up in your room. What right have you to carry this disease out into the world? When your mind has become controlled you will have control over the whole body; instead of being a slave to the machine, the machine will be your slave. Instead of this machine being able to drag the soul down it will be its greatest helpmate."
Comparison with Similar Verses from Other Vedic Texts
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.8
नायमात्मा प्रवचनेन लभ्यो न मेधया न बहुधा श्रुतेन ।
यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्यः तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम् ॥
"The Self is not attained through discourse, nor through intellect, nor through much learning. He is attained only by the one whom He chooses; to such a One the Self reveals His own form."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad echoes the idea of the Realization of the Self, which is mentioned in Patanjali’s Sutra.
The Upanishad highlights that the Ultimate Realization of the Self is not merely a matter of intellectual effort or learning, but is a profound, grace-filled event where the purified Self reveals itself. This aligns with Patanjali’s teaching that a mind purified and disciplined is ready for the Self to be revealed.
Bhagavad Gita 6.28
युञ्जन्नेवं सदात्मानं योगी विगतकल्मष: |
सुखेन ब्रह्मसंस्पर्शमत्यन्तं सुखमश्नुते ||28||
"With a purified mind, the yogi experiences Supreme Bliss through contact with Brahman (the Absolute)."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the result of a purified mind, similar to what Patanjali describes. The yogi, free from impurities, experiences ultimate joy through union with the Absolute. The "sattva-shuddhi" mentioned by Patanjali can be seen as a precursor to this state of "Brahma-sparsha," where the mind touches the infinite, leading to an experience of profound Bliss.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.33
मनसः शुद्धिसम्प्राप्तौ न तद्वर्णवृत्तिजं सुखम् ।
यच्छित्तलाभसुखतो बोधात्मत्वमुपागतः ॥
"When the mind attains purity, it transcends the pleasure derived from sensory objects, leading to the Bliss of the Realization of the Self."
The Yoga Vashishta verse reinforces the idea that the purification of the mind results in a transcendent state of Bliss, beyond ordinary sensory pleasures. This aligns closely with Patanjali’s assertion that a purified mind is the foundation for experiencing the True Nature of the Self. Both texts highlight that the Ultimate Realization and Joy come from within, through the purification and concentration of the mind.
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