Chapter-3, Sutra 14

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.14

शान्तोदिताव्यपदेश्यधर्मानुपाती धर्मी।

"The substratum (or entity) is characterized by attributes (dharma) that can be categorized as latent (shanta), active (udita), or unmanifest (avyapadesya)." 

That is to say, the qualified is the substance which is being acted upon by time and by the Samskaras, and getting changed and being manifested all the time. 

~Swami Vivekanand

In this Sutra, Patanjali introduces a concept central to the nature of Reality and transformation. Here, the term "dharmi" refers to the inherent nature of an entity, which holds various attributes or "dharmas." These attributes can exist in three states: latent (shanta), active (udita), and unmanifest (avyapadesya). The "shanta" represents the past qualities, the "udita" refers to the current or manifest qualities, and the "avyapadesya" signifies the unmanifest, potential, or future qualities. This idea highlights the fluidity of change, where an object or entity is always in a state of transformation, holding past, present, and future within itself.

This Sutra explains the way an object or entity sustains continuity across time while its qualities evolve. The essence of this teaching is that change is constant, but the fundamental nature of the entity remains. Whether something is in a manifest state, has receded into the past, or is yet to manifest in the future, it retains its underlying "dharmi." This philosophical insight helps practitioners of yoga understand the impermanence of qualities, while the essence remains untouched, promoting detachment from fluctuating realities.

This understanding aligns with the broader context of yogic philosophy, which often emphasizes the impermanence of material qualities and the permanence of the underlying Self. By perceiving the changing states of dharmas without becoming attached to them, one moves closer to the Realization of Purusha, the unchanging Self, distinct from the ever-changing prakriti (Nature). This discrimination between Purusha and Prakriti is key to spiritual liberation in Patanjali’s system.

Comparison with Similar Verses:

Bhagavad Gita 2.16

नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः। उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः॥

"The unreal has no being; the Real never ceases to be. The Seers of Truth have concluded the same about both."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita aligns with Patanjali’s notion of an unchanging substratum. While the attributes of an object may change (impermanent), its essence (dharmi) remains constant. The Gita emphasizes the distinction between the temporary nature of material phenomena and the eternal nature of the soul (Atman). Just as Patanjali identifies shifting dharmas, Krishna highlights the reality of the eternal Atman amidst impermanent experiences.

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.2

द्वा सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समानं वृक्षं परिषस्वजाते। तयोरन्यः पिप्पलं स्वाद्वत्त्यनश्नन्नन्यो अभिचाकशीति॥

"Two birds, inseparable companions, perch on the same tree. One eats the sweet fruit, while the other watches in detachment."

This Upanishadic verse also explores duality and the nature of Reality, akin to Patanjali’s distinction between changing attributes and an underlying constant. Here, the bird that partakes of the fruit symbolizes the ego caught in experiences (akin to changing dharmas), while the other bird symbolizes the unchanging Atman or Pure Consciousness, detached and observing. The interplay between change and constancy mirrors Patanjali’s concept of the evolving yet enduring substratum.

Yoga Vashishta 3.1.8

स्वप्ननद्यां गतं रूपं जागरेण तदन्वितम्। यथा नश्यति कालस्य तथा सर्वमिदं जगत्॥

"Just as the forms seen in the river of dreams vanish upon waking, so too does this entire world dissolve with time."

The Yoga Vashishta expresses the transient nature of the manifested world, similar to how Patanjali views the changing dharmas. While the Yoga Vashishta emphasizes the fleeting and illusory nature of external reality, Patanjali’s system focuses on perceiving the changing attributes (dharmas) without losing sight of the underlying essence (dharmi). Both philosophies suggest detachment from the changing aspects of life, pointing toward a deeper, unchanging Reality.

Through these comparisons, we see a consistent theme across Vedic and yogic texts: the transient, ever-changing nature of material reality juxtaposed with the eternal, unchanging self. The teachings from the Bhagavad Gita, Mundaka Upanishad, and Yoga Vashishta resonate with Patanjali’s distinction between the attributes that fluctuate and the substratum that remains steady.