Chapter-3, Sutra 54

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.54

(Viveka Jnana)

तारकं सर्वविषयं सर्वथाविषयम् अक्रमं चेति विवेकजं ज्ञानम्

"The knowledge born of discernment (viveka) is illuminating (liberative), all-encompassing in scope, applicable to all forms and non-sequential in nature."

In this Sutra, Patanjali describes the culmination of viveka-jñāna, or the Knowledge born of discernment, which is the Ultimate Wisdom attained through rigorous yogic practice. This Knowledge is described as "तारकं," meaning liberating or illuminating, as it transcends ordinary perception and reveals the Truth of existence. This insight does not merely address specific aspects but is "सर्वविषयं," meaning it applies to all fields or objects. Such Knowledge provides a unified vision that transcends distinctions, showing all phenomena as interconnected expressions of one reality.

The phrase "सर्वथाविषयम्" indicates that this wisdom is relevant in all forms or in any conceivable state, signifying its universality and adaptability. It is not bound by conditions or limitations, which makes it unlike regular intellectual knowledge. Where ordinary knowledge is often context-dependent, viveka-jñāna remains applicable universally, addressing the essence of all experiences rather than focusing on particular, isolated aspects. This quality of being all-encompassing underscores its transformative power, as it is not confined to any specific object or thought, allowing the yogi to see the underlying unity behind the diversity of existence.

Finally, Patanjali mentions that this wisdom is "अक्रमं," or non-sequential, which means it does not arise from a step-by-step logical process but rather emerges in its entirety as a direct, intuitive insight. This insight transcends linear time, capturing the eternal present. Such non-sequential knowledge is a hallmark of Spiritual Realization, where understanding is immediate and holistic rather than piecemeal or analytical. In essence, viveka-jñāna provides liberation by revealing the unity of the observer, the observed, and the process of observation itself, dissolving the false distinctions and limitations created by the mind.

Comparative Verses from Vedic Texts

Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.4

स यः सर्वज्ञः सर्वविद्यस्य ज्ञानमयं तपः। तस्मादेतद्ब्रह्म विद्विज्ञायते।

"He who is all-knowing and all-wise, from whom all wisdom and knowledge emerge, is known as Brahman."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad aligns with the essence of viveka-jñāna in that it recognizes a knowledge that is complete and all-encompassing. It speaks of Brahman as the source of all wisdom, paralleling the Yogasutra's concept of Knowledge that applies universally and illuminates truth.

Yoga Vashishta 3.4.12

तत्त्वज्ञानेन मुक्तस्य न पुनर्जन्म विद्यते। न रागो न द्वेषो न चित्तवृत्तिर्जायते॥

"One who is liberated through the knowledge of truth does not undergo rebirth, nor does he experience attachment, aversion, or mental fluctuations."

In the Yoga Vashishta, the liberation through True Knowledge leads to the cessation of mental disturbances, similar to how viveka-jñāna 

transcends all forms and mental constructs. This passage reflects the transformative effect of discernment, where the knower is freed from worldly bindings, as in Patanjali's vision of liberation through Universal Knowledge.

Bhagavad Gita 4.38

न हि ज्ञानेन सदृशं पवित्रमिह विद्यते। तत्स्वयं योगसं सिद्धः कालेनात्मनि विन्दति॥

"In this world, there is nothing as purifying as knowledge. He who is perfected in yoga realizes it within himself in due course."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita reinforces the idea of Knowledge as the highest purifier and liberator, which resonates with the Yogasutra’s view of viveka-jñāna as an Ultimate Wisdom that illuminates and liberates. This verse underscores the sanctifying and comprehensive power of True Knowledge, a concept closely linked with Patanjali's description of discerning Knowledge as "तारकं" or liberative.