Chapter-3, Sutra 15

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.15

क्रमान्यत्वं परिणामान्यत्वे हेतुः || 3.15 ||

"The cause of difference in transformations is the difference in sequence."

The succession of changes is the cause of manifold evolution.

~Swami Vivekanand 

In this Sutra, Patanjali is speaking about the concept of transformation (parinama) and how things change due to sequences of time and events. The term "क्रमान्यत्वं" refers to "difference in sequence" or changes that happen in a certain order. "परिणामान्यत्वे" implies that transformations are also dependent on different stages of change. Therefore, this Sutra points out that the transformations we witness in the material world—whether physical, mental, or spiritual—are governed by changes in sequences of time and events.

The Sutra emphasizes that every phenomenon in life follows a certain sequential order. These changes are not random but follow a cause-and-effect pattern where the alteration of sequence results in a new form of transformation. For instance, the stages of life (childhood, youth, and old age) follow a set order, and within that order, there are internal shifts, or "parinama." This principle extends beyond the physical world into mental and spiritual realms, where the order of thought, emotion, or spiritual practice determines the eventual transformation.

In a more practical sense, this Sutra also offers insight into how yogic progress works. The yogi who practices meditation or other disciplines goes through different stages of transformation based on their adherence to a sequence of practice and dedication. If the steps in this sequence are altered or skipped, the transformation will differ, resulting in a shift in outcomes. This highlights the importance of following the natural or prescribed order of practice and life's processes to achieve the desired transformation.

In the context of yoga, Patanjali is explaining that mental and spiritual transformations follow this law of sequences as well. For example, spiritual progress requires one to pass through specific stages (like the eight limbs of yoga: yama, niyama, asana, 

etc.). Each stage is a transformation dependent on the previous one. Thus, mastering the subtle transformations of the mind and body is crucial in the path of spiritual liberation. By recognizing this principle, the yogi gains control over the process of transformation, learning to direct these changes in a way that fosters higher states of Awareness and Consciousness.

This Sutra, therefore, serves as a reminder that nothing changes or transforms in isolation but is a product of sequential events. The yogi who can perceive and understand these sequences can manipulate their progression, allowing for mastery over time and transformation. This mastery can eventually lead to the cessation of suffering and attaining kaivalya 

(liberation), as the yogi begins to transcend worldly changes and recognize their root causes.

Comparative Verses from Other Vedic Texts:

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.10

यथा सोम्येकैना लोमान्येतत्सर्वं चर्मणाव्याप्तं तथैवैतत्सर्वं तत्सत्यं स आत्मा तत् त्वं असि श्वेतकेतो || 2.2.10 ||

"As, O good one, by one clod of clay all that is made of clay is known, the modification being only a name arising from speech, but the reality is just this—its clay."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad speaks to the concept of transformation in terms of material substance. Just as the Yogasutra discusses how change happens through sequences, the Upanishad highlights that transformations in the material world are modifications in name only, the underlying reality remaining the same (e.g., all clay objects remain clay in essence). This reinforces the idea of causality and order in transformation.

Bhagavad Gita 2.13

देहिनोऽस्मिन्यथा देहे कौमारं यौवनं जरा।

तथा देहान्तरप्राप्तिर्धीरस्तत्र न मुह्यति || 2.13 ||

"Just as the embodied soul continuously passes, in this body, from boyhood to youth to old age, the soul similarly passes into another body at death. A wise person is not bewildered by such a change."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita echoes the idea of sequential transformation. Here, the sequence is described in terms of physical changes through life stages (youth to old age) and ultimately the soul’s journey to another body. Just like Patanjali’s emphasis on the inevitability of transformations following a sequence, the Gita talks about how the soul undergoes changes and transitions according to its destined path.

Yoga Vashishta 3.8.11

कालान्तरं यथा वस्तु स्थिति परिणमत्यसौ।

तथा समयतो योगी योगेन परिशीलते || 3.8.11 ||

"Just as objects change over time, so does the yogi perfect his practice of yoga through consistent effort over time."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta emphasizes the idea of transformation through effort and time, aligning well with the concept in Patanjali’s Sutra. Here, the yogi is seen progressing through stages of practice, perfecting his art through sequential transformations, suggesting that mastery over time and change is essential for spiritual growth.

Each of these verses supports the fundamental idea in Patanjali's Yogasutra 3.15: that transformation and change occur in sequences, governed by time and effort, and that understanding these sequences allows one to influence the course of transformation.