Chapter-3, Sutra 10

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.10

(Samskaras)

तस्य प्रशान्तवाहिता संस्कारात् ॥ ३.१० ॥

"From the practice of concentration (dharana) there is a flow of tranquility due to the reduced creation of mental impressions (samskaras)."

This Sutra discusses the outcome of consistent practice of concentration, or "dharana." Patanjali describes how repeated concentration on a single object cultivates a tranquil, steady flow of mental activity. The word "प्रशान्तवाहिता" 

(praśāntavāhitā) signifies a peaceful flow, where the mind moves toward calmness without distraction. Through such focused attention, fewer new mental impressions or samskaras form, creating a foundation of peaceful, concentrated thought.

As a result of this practice, the mind experiences less turbulence, as the mental waves are subdued. The term "संस्कार" 

(samskara) refers to the subtle mental imprints that shape Consciousness and behavior. 

Here, the samskaras that arise from concentrated effort are fewer and positive ones, leading to greater tranquility. The mind, which was once disturbed by various distractions, now gains a steady and peaceful disposition.

Patanjali is emphasizing the transformation of the mental landscape. Each moment of deep concentration leaves an imprint on the mind, slowly replacing the habitual restlessness with calmness. 

This process of internal refinement leads to the mind becoming increasingly peaceful and more focused. The shift from distraction to concentration is gradual, and each samskara reinforces the next, making the mind more capable of maintaining concentration effortlessly.

In the broader context of yogic practice, this Sutra highlights the power of repetition and persistence. Patanjali is teaching that real progress comes when the mind’s latent tendencies (vasanas) are transformed through consistent concentration. The repeated effort toward focusing on one point becomes a natural, undisturbed flow of Awareness, bringing the practitioner closer to deeper meditative states, ultimately aiding in spiritual progress and Self-Realization.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"The flow of this continuous control of the mind becomes steady when practices day after day and the mind obtains the faculty of constant concentration."

Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts:

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5

यथा कर्म तथा स्मृतिः । स्मृतिः संस्कारः ॥

"As is one's action, so becomes their memory; and memory forms the samskaras (mental impressions)."

This verse from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad parallels Patanjali's teaching on the role of samskaras in shaping Consciousness. Both texts emphasize that actions (or practices like concentration) leave mental impressions that shape future experiences. In Patanjali’s case, concentration leads to peaceful samskaras, whereas this Upanishad highlights how all actions create lasting impressions.

Bhagavad Gita 6.35

असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् ।

अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते ॥ 6.35 ॥

"Undoubtedly, O mighty-armed, the mind is restless and difficult to control; but it can be controlled through practice and detachment, O son of Kunti."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita echoes the theme of disciplined practice leading to mastery of the mind. Like Patanjali’s Sutra, which discusses the creation of tranquility through samskaras, the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the role of practice (abhyasa) in taming the restless mind and guiding it towards calmness and control.

Yoga Vashistha 4.2.22

मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः ।

बन्धाय विषयासङ्गि मुक्तं निर्विषयं स्मृतम् ॥

"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation in humans. Attached to sense objects, it leads to bondage; when it is free from objects, it leads to liberation."

This teaching from the Yoga Vashistha relates closely to Patanjali’s Sutra, as both texts discuss how mental impressions and tendencies determine the mind's state - whether it is bound or liberated. Patanjali’s focus on cultivating tranquil samskaras aligns with the Yoga Vashistha’s insight that freeing the mind from distractions leads to liberation.