Chapter-4, Sutra 11

Patanjali Yogasutra 4.11

हेतुफलाश्रयालम्बनैः संगृहीतत्वादेषामभावे तदभावः।

"Impressions are sustained by causes, effects, basis, and support. When these are absent, the impressions also cease to exist."

This Sutra highlights the interdependent nature of samskaras 

and their perpetuation. Samskaras are the subtle mental imprints that shape an individual's tendencies, behavior, and reactions. Patanjali explains that samskaras persist due to four elements: causes (hetu), effects (phala), their underlying basis (ashraya), and their support or objects of attachment (alambana). This interconnected framework keeps the cycle of impressions alive. For instance, a desire for material wealth (samskara) is fueled by its cause (past experiences or karma), the effect (temporary happiness), its basis (mind-body complex), and support (external objects like money). This cyclic chain sustains samskaras until intervention occurs.

The Sutra implies that eliminating these sustaining factors results in the dissolution of samskaras. This cessation is a fundamental goal in yoga, as it liberates the practitioner from the recurring patterns that bind them to material existence. This principle aligns with the broader concept of kaivalya (Spiritual Realization) Self-Awareness and discipline to sever these dependencies.

For yogis, this Sutra underscores the importance of weakening the factors that reinforce mental patterns. 

Practices such as meditation (dhyana), dispassion (vairagya), and ethical restraint (yama and niyama) serve to reduce attachment to causes and effects, loosening the grip of 

samskaras. By addressing the roots—desires, attachments, and the mind’s conditioning—one can progress toward inner freedom.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"These desires are held together by cause and effect; if a desire has been raised, it does not die without producing its effect. Then again, the mind-stuff is the great storehouse, the support of all past desires, reduced to samskara form; until they have worked themselves out, they will not die. Moreover, so long as the senses receive the external objects fresh desires will arise. If it be possible to get rid of these, then alone desires will vanish."

Contextual Comparison with Vedic Texts

Bhagavad Gita 6.5

उद्धरेदात्मनाऽऽत्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्। आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः।।

"One must elevate oneself by one's own mind and not degrade oneself. The mind alone is the friend of the Self, and the mind alone is the enemy of the Self."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita complements Patanjali’s teaching by highlighting self-effort and the mind's pivotal role in breaking free from mental conditioning. Both texts agree that self-discipline and meditation are essential to transcend samskaras.

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.9

भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः। क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे।।

"When the knot of the heart is pierced, all doubts are dispelled, and the effects of karma are destroyed, one Realizes the Supreme."

Here, the knot of the heart symbolizes deep-seated samskaras. Like the Yogasutra, this verse stresses the dissolution of karmic impressions to attain liberation, achieved through direct Realization of the Truth.

Yoga Vashishta 2.12.2

चित्तमेव हि संसारो यावत्संज्ञायते बुधैः। अभावे निर्भरं चित्तं भूतलमिव शान्तधिः।।

"The mind alone is the cause of worldly existence, as recognized by the Wise. When the mind is quiet and free from impressions, it becomes tranquil like the vast earth."

This verse echoes Patanjali’s focus on addressing the root cause—mental impressions — by cultivating a quiet and unconditioned mind through yogic practices. These comparisons reflect a shared philosophy across Vedic literature about the elimination of mental conditioning to achieve Spiritual Realization, resonating with the essence of Patanjali's Sutra.