Patanjali Yogasutra 2.43
(Tapas)
कायेन्द्रियसिद्धिरशुद्धिक्षयात् तपसः ॥ 2.43 ॥
"Through the elimination of impurities by practicing austerity (tapas), the body and senses attain perfection."
This Sutra emphasizes the transformative power of tapas
(austerity or disciplined practice). According to Patanjali, tapas serves as a cleansing process that purifies the body and the senses. As impurities are gradually removed, the practitioner experiences a heightened state of physical and sensory capabilities, which Patanjali describes as kāyendriya siddhi - the perfection of the body and senses.
The term ashuddhi kshayat
implies the removal or destruction of impurities. These impurities can be physical, mental, or emotional. Physical impurities may refer to toxins and imbalances in the body, while mental impurities could include negative thoughts, emotions, or attachments. Through the rigorous practice of tapas, one cultivates self-discipline, which acts as a purifying fire that burns away these impurities. This purification is essential for the body and senses to function at their optimal level.
The result of this purification is kāyendriya siddhi, the perfection of the body and senses. This perfection doesn't merely imply physical strength or sensory acuity but also includes a deepened awareness and control over one's physical and sensory faculties. The body becomes a fit instrument for higher yogic practices, and the senses, freed from their usual distractions, become sharp and focused. This state of perfection is crucial for deeper meditation and spiritual progress, as a purified body and senses are better suited to support the mind in its quest for Self-Realization.
Contextual Comparison with Other Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 6.16-17
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः।
न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन ॥
युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु।
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा॥
"There is no possibility of one becoming a yogi, O Arjuna, if one eats too much or eats too little, sleeps too much or does not sleep enough. For the one who is moderate in eating, recreation, working, sleeping, and waking, Yoga becomes the destroyer of misery."
Similar to the idea of tapas in Patanjali’s Sutra, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the importance of discipline and moderation. While Patanjali talks about the purifying effect of tapas, Krishna here highlights the need for balance in all aspects of life - eating, sleeping, working, and recreation - to achieve success in Yoga, which ultimately leads to the destruction of suffering.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.5
नयमात्मा तपसा वश्यो न मेधया न बहुना श्रुतेन।
यमेवैष वृणुते तेन लभ्यः तस्यैष आत्मा विवृणुते तनूं स्वाम्॥
"This Self cannot be attained by the practice of austerity, nor by intelligence, nor by much learning. It can be gained only by the one whom the Self chooses; to such a one, the Self reveals Its true Nature."
In contrast to the focus on tapas
in Patanjali's Sutra, this verse from the Mundaka Upanishad suggests that Self-Realization is not solely dependent on austerity or intellectual efforts. It introduces the idea that the Ultimate Knowledge of the Self is granted by the Grace of the Self itself. This highlights that while tapas is crucial for purifying the body and senses, the Ultimate Spiritual Knowledge transcends these practices and is a matter of Divine Grace.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.26
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम्॥
"The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation. A mind attached to sense objects leads to bondage, while a mind free from sense objects leads to liberation."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta aligns with the idea of purification found in Patanjali’s Sutra. While Patanjali emphasizes the purification of the body and senses through
tapas, the Yoga Vashishta highlights the importance of purifying the mind. It suggests that liberation is achieved by freeing the mind from its attachments to sensory objects, which can be seen as an internal form of tapas that purifies the mind.
These comparisons show that while tapas and self-discipline are crucial in the yogic path,
other texts acknowledge the importance of balance, Divine Grace, and mental purification as complementary or even essential elements in achieving spiritual liberation.
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