Chapter-3, Sutra 52 & 53

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.52 & 3.53

Sutra 3.52: क्षणतत्क्रमयोः संयमाद्विवेकजं ज्ञानम्

"By practicing samyama (concentrated meditation) on the sequence of moments and their succession, one attains knowledge born of discernment (viveka)."

Sutra 3.53: जातिलक्षणदेशैरन्यतानवच्छेदात् तुल्ययोस्ततः प्रतिपत्तिः

"Through samyama on the distinctions between similar objects in terms of species, characteristics, and location, one gains knowledge to differentiate between two seemingly identical objects."

In Sutra 3.52, Patanjali introduces a profound concept: the practice of samyama on the succession of time, represented as a sequence of moments. This concentrated focus enables the yogi to perceive the very nature of time as a continuum and discern the essence of change. The “knowledge born of discernment” (vivekajam jnanam) refers to the ability to see things as they truly are beyond the influence of mental constructs or habitual perceptions. This form of knowledge grants insight into the transient nature of phenomena, revealing that all experiences and events are temporal and that Reality exists beyond these fluctuations. The yogi, in turn, becomes capable of perceiving the unchanging essence behind change, leading to a deeper Realization of Spiritual Truth.

In Sutra 3.53, Patanjali addresses how one can differentiate between seemingly identical entities through the practice of samyama on their distinctions. This could apply to similar objects, concepts, or even states of Consciousness, which may appear identical but are unique in aspects like species (jati), individual characteristics (lakshana), or location (desha). This discrimination reveals a subtle dimension of perception, allowing the practitioner to detect nuanced differences that are not immediately apparent to the ordinary eye. By this heightened awareness, the yogi perceives the precise nature of each object and its unique qualities, enabling a refined understanding of the diversity within the apparent uniformity of existence.

Together, these Sutras illustrate how advanced practices of samyama 

cultivate a profound level of discernment and insight in the yogi. In daily life, such insights can help the practitioner see through the surface-level appearances of people, objects, or situations and grasp the underlying truths. This awareness not only deepens self-understanding but also nurtures wisdom, aiding in the yogic path of transcendence. By discerning the nature of moments and the individuality within sameness, the yogi transcends conventional modes of perception and enters a heightened state of Awareness, ultimately leading to liberation (kaivalya).

Swami Vivekanand said for 3.53

"Those that cannot be differentiated by species, sign and place, even they will be discriminated by the above samyama. The misery that we suffer comes from ignorance, from non-discrimination between the real and the unreal. We all take the bad for the good, the dream for the reality. Soul is the only reality, and we have forgotten it. Body is an unreal dream, and we think we are all bodies. This non-discrimination is the cause of misery, and it is caused by ignorance. When discrimination comes, it brings strength, and then alone can we avoid all these various ideas of body, heavens, and gods and devas. This ignorance arises through differentiating by species, sign or place."

Comparative Verses from Vedic Texts

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.19

यत्र हि द्वैतमिव भवति तदितरितरं पश्यति तदितरितरं जिघ्रति तदितरितरं रसयते तदितरितरं स्पृशति तदितरितरं मनुते तदितरितरं विज्ञानते।

"Where there is duality, as it were, there one sees another, smells another, tastes another, speaks to another, hears another, thinks of another, knows another. But where everything has become one’s own Self, then what should one see and through what should one see it?"

This verse addresses the concept of non-duality (advaita), where discernment or knowledge (viveka) is not based on differentiation but on the Realization of Oneness. In the context of Patanjali's Sutras, it underscores the journey from dualistic perception towards a state where discernment culminates in understanding unity in diversity.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.13

काल एव हि संसारः प्रह्लाद इव राक्षसः।

"Time itself is samsara (the cycle of existence), just as Prahlada is a Rakshasa (demon by lineage)."

Here, time is seen as the root of worldly existence and change, similar to how Patanjali describes time as a sequence of moments in Sutra 3.52. The Yoga Vashishta suggests that understanding time’s illusory nature is key to transcending samsara, echoing Patanjali's insight into discerning the essence behind temporal shifts.

Bhagavad Gita 2.16

नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।

"The unreal has no existence; the real never ceases to be."

This verse discusses the discernment between the Real (unchanging) and the unreal (changing). Patanjali's Sutra 3.52, focused on discerning the essence of moments, parallels this Gita verse in emphasizing the need to perceive what is real beyond transitory changes, advancing the yogi’s wisdom in seeing the impermanence of temporal events and the permanence of Spiritual Truth.

Through these comparisons, we see that the Vedic and yogic traditions converge on the goal of viveka—discernment—encouraging practitioners to transcend surface-level perceptions and Realize the Ultimate Truth. This truth leads to liberation, resonating across Patanjali’s Sutras and the Vedic philosophy.