Chapter-3, Sutra 11

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.11

(sarvārthatā) and ekāgratā)

सर्वार्थतैकाग्रतयोः क्षयोदयौ चित्तस्य समाधिपरिणामः॥३.११॥

"The transformation of the mind toward samadhi (perfect concentration) occurs when there is a decline in distractions (sarvārthatā) and a rise in one-pointed focus (ekāgratā)."

In this Sutra, Patanjali describes a key process in the progression toward samadhi, the ultimate state of meditative absorption. 

He introduces the concept of the chitta's (mind's) transformation through the interplay of two opposing forces: distractions (sarvārthatā) and one-pointed concentration 

(ekāgratā). As the distractions of the mind diminish, the mind’s capacity to focus on a single point increases. This balance between the decline of distractions and the rise of concentration is a pivotal step toward attaining samadhi. Patanjali emphasizes that this transformation is gradual and involves a process where the practitioner learns to recognize, manage, and reduce distractions while simultaneously cultivating focus.

The term sarvārthatā refers to the mind's natural tendency to scatter and chase after multiple objects, thoughts, or sensory experiences. These distractions are inevitable but must be overcome to attain higher states of meditation. On the other hand, ekāgratā represents the mind's ability to remain fully concentrated on one object or thought, a critical skill for entering deeper states of meditative absorption. The transformation discussed here involves an inner balancing act where one consciously minimizes the pull of external stimuli and gradually deepens focus.

The samadhi-parinama, or the transformation towards samadhi, is the transition from a distracted state of mind to one that is perfectly concentrated. In practical terms, this Sutra suggests that through dedicated practice of meditation, one learns to manage the fluctuations of the mind. As distractions fade away, the state of one-pointed focus becomes more natural, eventually leading to the state of samadhi where the mind is fully absorbed in its object of concentration, free from distractions. This transformation is a key marker of spiritual progress in yoga.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"The mind is taking up various objects, running into all sorts of things and then there is a higher state of the mind, when it takes up one object and exclude all others. Samadhi is the result of that."

Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts:

Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9

एतस्मिन्स्तत्र सर्वाणि प्रतिष्ठिता ऋतस्य लोकाः अमृतत्वस्य च। सर्वथा समाधिः यदात्मनि अर्चयते महात्मा, तम् आकाशम् वियद्वीर्यम्॥

"In this, all worlds and all deeds are established. When the great soul reaches complete absorption (samadhi) in the Self, it experiences the Eternal Reality, the space of Infinite Power."

This Upanishadic verse mirrors the concept of samadhi as discussed by Patanjali. The "great soul" reaches complete concentration or absorption 

(samadhi), experiencing the Infinite Reality beyond sensory distractions. Both texts emphasize the mind’s transformation from the temporal to the eternal through focused meditation.

Bhagavad Gita 6.19

यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता। योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मनः॥ 6.19॥

"As a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, such is the simile for the yogi with a controlled mind practicing yoga in the Self."

Here, the Bhagavad Gita uses the metaphor of a steady flame to describe the one-pointedness of mind (ekāgratā) that Patanjali also emphasizes. Both verses discuss the transformation of the mind towards unwavering focus and steadiness, essential for entering deeper states of meditation.

Yoga Vashistha 6.2.126

यथा यथात्मन्यवधारयेद् धियं तथा तथा मुञ्चति बाह्यवृत्तयः। स्पन्दं च संसारपथस्य यात्यसौ यथा यथा योगनियोजयेद्धृदि॥ 6.2.126॥

"As one fixes the mind on the Self, the external distractions fade away. The disturbance of worldly existence diminishes as the yogi focuses on the heart in yoga."

This verse from the Yoga Vashistha resonates with the concept of the decline in distractions (sarvārthatā) mentioned by Patanjali. It explains that as concentration on the Self grows, worldly distractions naturally fade, leading to peace and the eventual cessation of mental disturbances.

In all these texts, the concept of ekāgratā (one-pointed focus) and the transformation of the mind is crucial for spiritual progress. Whether described as the extinguishing of external distractions in the Upanishads, the steady flame in the Bhagavad Gita, or the calming of the worldly path in the Yoga Vashistha, the core idea remains consistent: through disciplined practice, the mind moves from distraction to a state of perfect concentration, leading to the highest states of meditative absorption or samadhi.