Patanjali Yogasutra 4.15
वस्तुसाम्ये चित्तभेदात्तयोर्विभक्तः पन्थाः।
"Although an object is the same, it is perceived differently due to the differences in the minds of the observers."
This Sutra emphasizes the subjectivity of perception. While the external object remains constant, individual minds interpret it differently based on their unique impressions (samskaras) and past experiences.
Patanjali uses this idea to explain the nature of Reality and how Consciousness interacts with the external world. The Sutra highlights the relativity of human perception, which is shaped by individual predispositions, biases, and levels of awareness.
This teaching is essential for understanding the yogic philosophy of transcending subjective biases.
Through consistent practice of yoga and meditation, one can refine their perceptions and attain a purer, more universal understanding of Reality. Patanjali hints at the dual nature of existence here: the objective world (vastu) and the subjective mind (chitta). By aligning the chitta with the True Nature of the vastu, the yogi can overcome the distortion caused by individual mental modifications.
Furthermore, this Sutra subtly alludes to the interconnectedness of the observer and the observed. In yogic practice, the ultimate goal is to realize that the distinctions between the Seer, seeing, and seen are illusory. This Realization forms a pathway to Realization (kaivalya). The Sutra encourages practitioners to acknowledge differences in perception without judgment and strive for unity through understanding.
Comparative Context
Yoga Vashishta (1.4.18)
यथा मनसि कल्पना, तथा दृश्यं प्रतीयते।
"As the mind imagines, so does the object appear to be perceived."
This verse parallels Patanjali’s concept of subjective perception. Both teachings emphasize the role of the mind in shaping how external objects are experienced. While Patanjali focuses on individual chitta
differences, Yoga Vashishta delves deeper into the illusory nature of perceived Reality, asserting that all external objects are mere projections of the mind.
Mundaka Upanishad (2.2.9)
भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिः छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः।
क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे।।
"When the Higher and lower (Truths) are Realized, the knots of the heart are loosened, doubts dispelled, and all karmas are exhausted."
This verse, while focusing on Realization, touches upon the alignment of the inner perception (heart) with the True Nature of Reality (para and apara). Similar to Patanjali’s explanation, liberation requires transcending individual differences in perception.
Bhagavad Gita (5.18)
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि।
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः।।
"The wise, endowed with Knowledge and humility, see a Brahmana, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater with equal vision."
This verse complements Patanjali’s teaching by presenting the Ultimate State of perception where external differences dissolve, and a yogi sees the Oneness in all. It suggests the culmination of transcending subjective biases to attain an undifferentiated perception of Reality.
By exploring these comparisons, the interconnectedness of yogic and Vedic philosophies becomes evident. They collectively point towards harmonizing the mind to perceive Reality without distortion and ultimately Realizing the Unity underlying all existence.
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