Patanjali Yogasutra 4.10
तासामनादित्वं चाशिषो नित्यत्वात् ।
"The impressions (samskaras) are beginningless because the desire (for existence) is eternal."
This Sutra highlights the perpetual existence of samskaras, or mental impressions, which form the foundation of human experience and behavior. According to Patanjali, these impressions do not have a discernible beginning (अनादित्वं), as they are intrinsically tied to the eternal desire for existence (आशिषः नित्यत्वात्). In other words, the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth is propelled by these impressions, driven by the fundamental craving to continue existence. This aligns with the yogic view of karma, where actions leave behind impressions that determine future experiences.
The acknowledgment of samskaras as beginning less underscores the challenge of liberation (moksha) in yogic philosophy. Since these impressions are deeply ingrained, they require sustained effort, discipline, and awareness to overcome. The practice of yoga, particularly meditation (dhyana) and discrimination (viveka), is aimed at unraveling and neutralizing these impressions, ultimately breaking the cycle of samsara.
The Sutra also reflects a profound metaphysical principle — the eternal nature of existence and Consciousness. It suggests that
samskaras, while beginning-less are not absolute; they can be transcended through Self-Realization. This duality between the eternal and the mutable forms a cornerstone of the Yogasutras, emphasizing the transformative potential of spiritual practices to shift from conditioned existence to Realization.
Contextual Comparison with Other Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 15.7
ममैवांशो जीवलोके जीवभूतः सनातनः।
मनःषष्ठानीन्द्रियाणि प्रकृतिस्थानि कर्षति॥
"The eternal individual soul in the material world is indeed an eternal fragment of My Being; it struggles with the six senses, including the mind, which reside in Nature."
This verse also speaks of the eternal nature of the soul and its entanglement with material impressions. Like the Yogasutra, it emphasizes the beginning-less struggle of the soul driven by impressions and desires.
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.9
भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः।
क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे॥
"The knots of the heart are broken, all doubts are resolved, and all karmas are destroyed when on sees the Supreme Being."
This Upanishadic verse mirrors the Yogasutra’s focus on the role of impressions and karma. It explains that liberation occurs when the impressions and desires tied to the ego are resolved through Realization of the Supreme.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.33
वासना तु महाशक्तिरेकमेव वशं गताः।
यत्र यत्र मनो याति तत्र तत्र वसन्ति ताः॥
"Desires (vasanas) are a great power that dominate the mind. Wherever the mind goes, there they dwell."
This aligns closely with Patanjali's concept of samskaras, emphasizing their deep-rooted power over the mind and their role in perpetuating bondage. Yoga practices are aimed at overcoming these desires to achieve Realization. Through these comparisons, it is evident that the concept of eternal impressions and their transcendence is a shared theme across Vedic literature, emphasizing the universal struggle of human Consciousness and the promise of spiritual Realization.
No comments:
Post a Comment