Chapter-3, Sutra 35

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.35

 सत्त्वपुरुषयोरत्यन्तासंकीर्णयोः प्रत्ययाविशेषो भोगः परार्थत्वात्स्वार्थसंयमात्पुरुषज्ञानम् || 3.35 ||

"The distinction between sattva (mind) and Purusha (Self) becomes apparent through the lack of complete mingling, even though their experiences (pratyaya) appear the same. This distinction, when understood through samyama (concentration) on their respective purposes—mind serving another and Purusha being for itself—leads to knowledge of the Purusha."

In this Sutra, Patanjali delves into the subtle difference between sattva, which refers to the intellect or mind, and Purusha, the True Self or Consciousness. Though sattva and Purusha may seem intertwined, especially as both experience life, they are fundamentally distinct. The experiences (pratyaya) arising from both may appear similar because the mind reflects Consciousness, but the two are not the same. The mind, governed by sattva, is influenced by external forces and serves the purpose of facilitating experience. Purusha, on the other hand, is Pure Consciousness, untouched by these external factors.

The Sutra emphasizes that through deep concentration (samyama) on the distinct purposes of the mind and the Self, one can discern their True Natures. The mind, or sattva, exists for the sake of experience and the evolution of the individual. It is directed outward, facilitating interaction with the external world. Purusha, however, exists purely for itself—self-sufficient and eternal. Realizing this difference is a key to attaining knowledge of the 

Purusha, which leads to liberation (kaivalya).

This understanding is central to the philosophy of yoga because it illuminates the path to disentangling the Self from the mind’s fluctuations. 

By perceiving the True Nature of 

Purusha, the practitioner is no longer bound by the mind’s misidentifications, which lead to suffering. Instead, one attains a state of inner freedom, recognizing that the Self (Purusha) is not influenced by the transient nature of mental phenomena.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"Enjoyment comes by the non discrimination of the very distant soul and sattva. Its actions are for another; samyama on this gives Knowledge of the Purusa. This power of non-attachment acquired through purity gives the yogi the enlightenment called Pratibha."

Comparison with Vedic Texts:

Katha Upanishad 1.3.3

आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथमेव तु ।

बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहमेव च ॥

"Know the Self (atman) as the rider in the chariot, and the body as the chariot. Know the intellect (buddhi) as the charioteer, and the mind as the reins."

This verse from the Katha Upanishad offers a metaphorical distinction similar to Patanjali's Sutra. Here, the intellect (buddhi) and mind are described as tools serving the Self (atman), much like how Patanjali describes sattva as distinct from 

Purusha. Both texts emphasize that the mind and intellect serve an external purpose while the self remains unaffected.

Bhagavad Gita 13.22

पुरुषः प्रकृतिस्थो हि भुङ्क्ते प्रकृतिजान्गुणान् ।

कारणं गुणसङ्गोऽस्य सदसद्योनिजन्मसु ॥

"The Purusha, situated in Prakriti, experiences the qualities (gunas) born of Prakriti. Attachment to these qualities becomes the cause of birth in good and evil wombs."

This verse highlights the experience of Purusha entangled with Prakriti 

(nature or mind) through the gunas, much like the mingling of sattva 

and Purusha in Patanjali’s Sutra. Both texts underscore the distinction between the Self and the forces of nature, as well as the need for awareness to achieve freedom from this entanglement.

Yoga Vashistha 6.1.8

चित्तमेव हि संसारो नात्र संशयः ।

बन्धमुक्त्योर्यतो हेतुस्तस्य चात्मविवेचनम् ॥

"Indeed, the mind alone is Samsara (the cycle of birth and death); there is no doubt about this. The cause of bondage and liberation is this mind, and its remedy is the discernment of the Self."

This verse from the Yoga Vashistha mirrors the idea in Patanjali's Sutra that the discernment (samyama) between mind and Self leads to liberation. Both texts suggest that recognizing the distinct nature of Purusha and the mind is the key to transcending the cycle of Samsara.