Chapter-3, Sutra 22

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.22

(Karma)

सोपक्रमं निरुपक्रमं च कर्म तत्संयमादपरान्तज्ञानमरिष्टेभ्यो वा ।

"By performing samyama (focused meditation) on the nature of karma, whether immediate (with visible effects) or delayed (without immediate effects), one gains knowledge of the time of death, or signs of impending death can also reveal this knowledge."

In this Sutra, Patanjali introduces the concept of gaining knowledge about the timing of death through mastery over karma. The term karma here refers to actions whose effects may manifest immediately (sopakrama) or later (nirupakrama). By performing 

samyama, a higher meditative technique that combines concentration, meditation, and absorption, on the nature of these karmic actions, one can develop insight into their effects and timing, specifically the moment of death (aparantajñana), which refers to knowledge of the end of life.

The knowledge of impending death can be obtained either through direct understanding of karma's timing or through the interpretation of physical or psychological signs (arishtebhyaḥ). These signs can be subtle, such as bodily symptoms or premonitions, which indicate the nearing end of one's life. This Sutra highlights the depth of awareness that can be achieved through yogic practices, wherein even the mysteries of life and death can be perceived with clarity.

In a broader sense, this Sutra emphasizes the importance of understanding karma's role in life. Karma shapes experiences and outcomes, both seen and unseen. By developing deep insight into the workings of karma, yogis can transcend the limitations of time and become aware of life's final moments, reflecting the depth of spiritual advancement possible through samyama.

Contextual Comparison from Vedic Texts:

Bhagavad Gita 4.17 

 गहना कर्मणो गतिः ।

"The ways of karma are mysterious."

The Bhagavad Gita reflects on the complexity of karma, similar to the Yogasutra’s reference to actions with immediate and delayed results. The idea is that karma's outcomes are not always apparent, and understanding it fully requires deep insight, as mentioned in Patanjali's Sutra.

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.9 

भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिः छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः। क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन् दृष्टे परावरे॥

"When the knot of the heart is cut, all doubts are dispelled, and the effects of karma are exhausted, then one beholds the Supreme."

Here, the Mundaka Upanishad emphasizes the liberation attained when one gains knowledge of the Self or the Supreme. The exhaustion of karma's effects mirrors the deeper Realization that one achieves by understanding the nature of actions, similar to how samyama on 

karma in Patanjali’s Yogasutra unveils knowledge of life’s culmination (the moment of death). In both contexts, knowledge of karma leads to transcendence and liberation.

Shvetashvatara Upanishad 5.12 

एको देवः सर्वभूतेषु गूढः सर्वव्यापी सर्वभूतान्तरात्मा। कर्माध्यक्षः सर्वभूताधिवासः साक्षी चेता केवलो निर्गुणश्च॥

"The One Divine, hidden in all beings, is the overseer of karma, the indwelling Self of all, the Witness, Consciousness, and beyond all qualities."

This verse touches upon the omnipresence of the Divine as the Ultimate Witness of all karma. Just as Patanjali’s Sutra reveals that through understanding karma, one can know significant life events like death, this Upanishadic verse underscores that karma is overseen by the Divine Consciousness that is aware of all actions and their effects. Both verses imply that the knowledge of karma is not only a personal insight but also a cosmic Reality governed by a higher force.

Mahabharata 303.52  

 कर्मणा जायते जन्तुः कर्मणैव विपद्यते। सुखं दुःखं भयं क्षेमं कर्मणैवाभिपद्यते॥

"By karma, beings are born; by karma, they meet their end. By karma, they experience pleasure, pain, fear, and safety."

This verse from the Mahabharata encapsulates the overarching role of karma in governing all aspects of life, from birth to death, and the experiences in between. Patanjali’s Sutra on samyama leading to knowledge of death directly relates to this, as both point to the inevitable link between karma and life’s events. 

Karma shapes the path of existence, and through spiritual practices like samyama, one can come to Realize these profound Truths.

Patanjali’s Yogasutra 3.22, by addressing the nature of karma and its role in the end of life, extends the understanding of how deeply karma is intertwined with existence. This Sutra highlights the advanced knowledge that comes through samyama, where the yogi can discern the immediate and delayed consequences of actions.

The comparisons drawn with other Vedic texts, such as the Mundaka Upanishad, Shvetashvatara Upanishad, and the Mahabharata, show that the theme of karma is a shared principle across these traditions. Whether it is the eventual exhaustion of karma leading to liberation, the Divine’s role as the witness of karma, or karma’s influence over all aspects of life, these verses converge in acknowledging karma’s centrality to the human experience. The knowledge of karma, as Patanjali emphasizes, is not merely philosophical but practical, guiding one to understand life's greatest mysteries—including death itself.