Chapter-13, Sutra 13

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.13

(Parinama)

एतेन भूतेन्द्रियेषु धर्मलक्षणावस्थापरिणामा व्याख्याताः || 3.13 ||

"Through these (past Sutras), the transformations related to the characteristics, temporal marks, and stages of elements and sense organs are described."

In this Sutra, Patanjali continues to explore the concept of parinama or transformation, which is a key theme in the third chapter, referred to as the Vibhuti Pada. This verse specifically addresses the transformations that occur within the bhuta (elements) and indriyas (sense organs) at three levels: dharma, lakshana, and avastha. These are technical terms denoting different aspects of change:

1. Dharma refers to the essential qualities or properties of an entity.

2. Lakshana refers to the temporal markers or conditions, indicating the time-bound progression of those qualities.

3. Avastha denotes the stages of transformation, such as the beginning, continuity, and end of a state.

The Sutra highlights that these transformations are fundamental to both the external world (elements) and the internal instruments of perception (sense organs). By meditating on these transformations, a yogi can understand the subtle processes of nature, leading to mastery over them.

The parinama concept explains that nothing in the manifest universe is static; everything undergoes continuous change, whether it is physical (pertaining to the elements) or psychological (pertaining to the senses). The ability to observe these transformations leads to insight into the underlying laws of the universe, enabling the practitioner to transcend the illusions of permanence and constancy. Maintaining a Spiritual Journal creates a certain sensitivity in observing these changes, both without and within the seeker.

In essence, Patanjali's mention of bhuta and indriya indicates that the yogi's journey involves both the external universe and the inner world of perception. Mastery over these transformations allows the yogi to attain the higher stages of Realization and liberation, as the continuous change in the material and sensory worlds can be transcended through deep meditation and Awareness.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"By this the threefold changes in the mind-stuff as to form, time, and state are explained. The mind-stuff is changing into Vrttis, this is change as to form. To be able to hold the changes to the present time is change as to time. To be able to make the mind-stuff go to the past forms giving up the present even, is change as to state. The concentrations taught in the preceding aphorisms were to give the Yogi a voluntary control over the transformations of his mind-stuff which alone will enable him to make the Samyama before named."

To contextualize this Sutra, let's look at some similar verses from other Vedic texts that also discuss the concept of transformation (parinama) in both the external world and the internal faculties of perception.

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.7

एषोऽणुरात्मा चेतसा वेदितव्यो यस्मिन्प्राणः पञ्चधा संविवेश।

प्राणैश्चित्तं सर्वमोतं प्रजानां यत्सन्मृतं तच्च वाचो विदुः॥

"This subtle Self must be known by the mind, in which the life-breaths, divided fivefold, have entered. The mind, along with the sense organs, pervades all beings, and it is that which sustains the living and the dead, as known by the Wise."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad describes the interplay between the subtle Self (Atman) and the sense faculties. The idea of subtle transformation and interconnectedness between mind and the life-breath (prana) 

reflects the same principle that Patanjali discusses: the importance of understanding how internal and external elements transform and interrelate.

Bhagavad Gita 2.16

नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।

उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः॥

"There is no existence for the unreal, and the Real never ceases to be. The Seers of Truth have concluded the same about both."

In this verse, the Bhagavad Gita addresses the distinction between the changing (unreal) and the unchanging (Real) aspects of existence. Similar to Patanjali’s Sutra, this verse reflects on how the material and sensory world is constantly transforming, while the True Self remains unaltered. Understanding these transformations helps a seeker rise above the fleeting nature of existence.

Yoga Vashishta 6.2.176

प्रकृतिं पश्यतो दृष्टिर्मायया न विनश्यति।

विनश्यति च तद्ध्यानात्कृतार्थस्यानुवृत्तितः॥

"One who sees the nature of transformation does not fall under the illusion of Maya. By deep meditation, the knower becomes free from continued cycles of birth and death."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta focuses on the yogic perception of transformation. It emphasizes that those who can perceive the underlying transformations of nature and meditate deeply can transcend the illusions of Maya, or the world of appearances. This aligns with Patanjali’s teachings on mastering the transformations within elements and senses, aiding the path toward liberation.

Patanjali’s Yogasutra 3.13 provides a crucial insight into the nature of transformation within the elements and sense organs, enabling a yogi to understand the impermanence of material and sensory experiences. This principle is echoed in various Vedic texts, such as the Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, and Yoga Vashishta, which all stress the importance of discerning between the changing and the unchanging. The yogic journey, as these texts suggest, is about mastering and transcending the cycles of transformation to realize the eternal, unchanging Self.