Patanjali Yogasutra 4.13
ते व्यक्तसूक्ष्माः गुणात्मानः।
"The characteristics of objects, whether manifest (vyakta) or subtle (sukshma), are inherent in the three gunas (qualities of Nature)."
This Sutra emphasizes that all objects, whether perceptible to the senses or beyond them, are rooted in the interplay of the three gunas—sattva (balance), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). These qualities constitute the substratum of prakriti (nature) and manifest in varying combinations, giving rise to the diversity of the universe. Patanjali highlights that the visible forms (vyakta) and the subtle, imperceptible states (sukshma) share the same foundational structure. This suggests that everything, from gross material objects to subtle mental phenomena, is governed by the dynamics of the gunas.
This verse bridges the seen and unseen, affirming the underlying unity in the diversity of existence. It aligns with the Sankhya philosophy, which asserts that all transformations in nature arise from the evolution of the gunas. The Sutra invites the seeker to recognize this Unity, emphasizing that distinctions between the gross and the subtle are superficial. By transcending these distinctions, one can gain insight into the fundamental nature of prakriti and its relationship with Purusha (Pure Consciousness).
For a yogi, understanding this Sutra is crucial for mastering discrimination (viveka-khyati). It encourages the practitioner to look beyond appearances, recognizing that the True Self (Purusha) is unaffected by the play of the gunas. By cultivating detachment from the gunas and their manifestations, the yogi moves closer to Realization (kaivalya). This awareness also aids in overcoming obstacles caused by attachment to the external or identification with subtle mental constructs.
Contextual Comparisons
Bhagavad Gita 14.5
सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणाः प्रकृतिसम्भवाः।
निबध्नन्ति महाबाहो देहे देहिनमव्ययम्।।
"Sattva, rajas, and tamas, the qualities born of prakriti, bind the imperishable soul to the body, O mighty-armed one."
This verse highlights the binding nature of the gunas and their influence on embodied beings,
complementing the Yogasutra's perspective on their omnipresence and role in shaping both the manifest and subtle aspects of existence.
Mandukya Upanishad 7
नान्तःप्रज्ञं न बहिष्प्रज्ञं नोभयतःप्रज्ञं न प्रज्ञानघनं न प्रज्ञं नाप्रज्ञम्।
अदृष्टमव्यवहार्यमग्राह्यमलक्षणमचिन्त्यमव्यपदेश्यमेकात्मप्रत्ययसारं प्रपञ्चोपशमं शान्तं शिवमद्वैतं चतुर्थं मन्यन्ते स आत्मा स विग्ञेयः।।
"Neither inwardly aware, nor outwardly aware, nor both; neither a mass of awareness, nor simple Consciousness, nor unconsciousness. Unseen, beyond empirical dealings, beyond grasping, without attributes, unthinkable, and indescribable. The essence of the Self, the cessation of phenomena, tranquil, auspicious, and non-dual—this is the Fourth state: Turiya, to be Realized."
This beautiful Upanishadic verse provides a metaphysical backdrop to the Yogasutra by exploring the Nature of the Self as the indescribable Fourth State (Turiya), beyond the gunas, where distinctions between the manifest and subtle dissolve.
Yoga Vashishta 4.19
आकाशं गगनं चैव चिन्मात्रं परमार्थतः।
त्रिगुणातीतमव्यक्तं तत्त्वमेकं तुरीयकम्।।
"Space, the sky, and indeed Pure Consciousness are the Ultimate Reality. It transcends the three gunas, is unmanifest, and is the Singular Truth known as the Turiya."
This verse resonates with the Yogasutra's emphasis on transcending the gunas and the manifest-subtle dichotomy to Realize the unmanifest Essence. Through these comparisons, the universality of Patanjali's insights becomes evident, tying his teachings to broader Vedic philosophy while enriching the yogic journey toward Realization.
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