Patanjali Yogasutra 2.48
ततो द्वन्द्वानभिघातः ॥ २.४८ ॥
"From that (mastery of asana), one is no longer disturbed by the dualities (such as heat and cold, pain and pleasure, etc.)."
In this Sutra, Patanjali refers to the benefits of mastering asana, or posture. He explains that once the body becomes steady and comfortable in a particular posture (as outlined in the previous Sutras), the practitioner becomes free from the disturbances caused by dvandva, or the pairs of opposites. These opposites represent the dualities experienced in life, such as pleasure and pain, heat and cold, or success and failure. Through the mastery of asana, the physical body, which is often the source of distraction and discomfort, becomes balanced and resilient, enabling the practitioner to remain unaffected by external conditions.
This mastery of posture is not merely physical. The steadiness of the body reflects a steadiness of the mind. By overcoming the body's tendencies to be swayed by the pairs of opposites, one is able to maintain mental equilibrium in the face of life’s ups and downs. This stage is crucial for further progress in Yoga because the mind can only focus on higher practices like pranayama, pratyahara, and meditation once it is no longer preoccupied with physical discomfort or external conditions.
Ultimately, the state of dwandwanabhighata signifies a deeper philosophical Realization. The dualities of life are manifestations of the mind's identification with the material world. When the practitioner rises above these dualities, they begin to transcend the conditioned responses of the ego and move closer to the Realization of their True Self. This Realization is key in the spiritual path toward Realization, or Kaivalya, which is the Ultimate Goal of Yoga.
Comparison with Other Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 2.14
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः।
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥
"O son of Kunti, the contact between the senses and their objects, which give rise to sensations of heat and cold, pleasure and pain, are temporary and transient. Endure them, O descendant of Bharata."
In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to bear the dualities of life, such as heat and cold or pleasure and pain. The transience of these dual experiences is emphasized, much like the idea in Patanjali's Sutra that mastery over asana can help one rise above such disturbances. Both teachings emphasize the impermanence of these dualities and the need to remain steady and composed in their presence.
Isha Upanishad, Verse 7
यस्मिन्सर्वाणि भूतानि आत्मैवाभूद्विजानतः।
तत्र को मोहः कः शोकः एकत्वमनुपश्यतः॥
"When one sees all beings as the Self, then there is no delusion, no sorrow, for the Seer who perceives this Unity."
This verse from the Isha Upanishad emphasizes the Unity of all existence, which can be realized by transcending the dualistic perception of the world. Similar to Patanjali's Sutra, which speaks of overcoming the dualities through mastery of asana, this Upanishadic teaching points toward the Higher State of Realization where the pairs of opposites no longer affect the practitioner.
Yoga Vashishta 2.6.34
सुखदुःखसमं कृत्वा लाभालाभौ जयाजयौ।
समत्वं योग उच्यते॥
"Treating pleasure and pain, gain and loss, victory and defeat alike – this equanimity is called Yoga."
This verse from the Yoga Vashishta reflects the same principle found in Patanjali's Sutra. It explains that equanimity in the face of life's dualities—whether it is pleasure and pain or success and failure—is the essence of Yoga. Both texts emphasize the importance of mental and emotional balance in the journey toward spiritual liberation.
In summary, Patanjali's emphasis on mastering asana to overcome dualities is echoed across the Vedic and yogic traditions. The Bhagavad Gita, Isha Upanishad, and Yoga Vashishta all highlight the necessity of transcending dualities as a key component of spiritual progress, demonstrating the interconnectedness of these teachings.
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