Chapter-4, Sutra 12

Patanjali Yogasutra 4.12

(Time)

अतीतानागतं स्वरूपतोऽस्त्यध्वभेदाद्धर्माणाम्।

"The past and the future exist in their own forms; they are manifested or unmanifested due to the different states of the paths (time) and the properties (dharma)."

In this Sutra, Patanjali delves into the metaphysical nature of time and existence, emphasizing the continuity of past, present, and future. According to this view, time is not linear but an eternal continuum where all events exist simultaneously in their own distinct forms. The past and future are not mere abstractions; they exist but are either latent or manifest depending on the state of transformation. The “adhvabheda” (distinction of paths) refers to time as a medium that differentiates these states.

The phrase “स्वरूपतोऽस्ति” (exists in their own forms) points to the idea that events and objects do not cease to exist; they merely transition between being perceivable and imperceivable. This notion aligns with the philosophical doctrine of causality (satkaryavada) in Sankhya, where effects are pre-existent in their causes. It suggests that the past influences the present, and the future is already embedded in the present Reality as potential.

This Sutra resonates with the yogic goal of transcending the limitations of time and perceiving Reality in its totality. For the yogi, the ability to perceive all three states—past, present, and future—is a step towards Realization (kaivalya). Through heightened awareness and mastery over the fluctuations of the mind (vrittis), one can access these different states of existence beyond the illusion of linear time.

Comparative Context from Vedic Texts

Bhagavad Gita 2.16

नासतो विद्यते भावो नाभावो विद्यते सतः।

उभयोरपि दृष्टोऽन्तस्त्वनयोस्तत्त्वदर्शिभिः॥

"The unreal has no existence; the Real never ceases to be. The Seers of Truth have concluded the distinction between the Real and the unreal."

This verse echoes the Yogasutra’s perspective that the underlying Reality (dharma) persists despite the apparent transitions across time.

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.1

द्वा सुपर्णा सयुजा सखाया समानं वृक्षं परिषस्वजाते।

तयोः अन्यः पिप्पलं स्वाद्वत्त्यनश्नन्नन्यो अभिचाकशीति॥

"Two birds, inseparable companions, perch on the same tree. One eats the sweet fruit, while the other watches without eating."

This verse metaphorically represents the distinction between the experiencer (bound by time) and the observer (beyond time). The observer perceives the entirety of existence, much like the yogic perspective in 4.12.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.12

कालो न याति न च गच्छति किंचिदेतत्।

बुद्धेः स्वभाववशतो भ्रमते हि सर्वम्॥

"Time neither moves nor stands still; it is the mind’s illusion that creates the perception of motion and change."

This verse aligns closely with the Sutra's assertion that time is a framework for perceiving changes in dharma. The Reality exists unchanged beyond this illusion. Through these parallels, it becomes evident that Patanjali’s insights are deeply rooted in the broader Vedic philosophy, aiming to guide practitioners towards a transcendental understanding of time and existence.