Chapter-4, Sutra 3

Patanjali Yogasutra 4.3

निमित्तमप्रयोजकं प्रकृतीनां वरणभेदस्तु ततः क्षेत्रिकवत् ॥ ४.३ ॥

"The external cause is not the initiator of change in the fundamental nature of beings; rather, it only removes obstacles, allowing transformation to unfold naturally, like a farmer clearing a path for water."

In this Sutra, Patanjali further elaborates on the process of spiritual evolution and conveys that external influences are not the true instigators of transformation in the individual. 

Instead, these external factors simply act to remove barriers, allowing the inherent nature of the individual—often understood as "prakriti" (fundamental nature or essence)—to manifest its potential. The metaphor used here is that of a farmer or field worker who clears obstructions to allow water to flow naturally in irrigation channels. In the same way, yoga practices and external influences do not "cause" enlightenment or transformation but rather enable one's intrinsic potential to unfold by clearing away obstacles.

This concept implies that growth and spiritual awakening are intrinsic processes, rooted deeply within the Self, rather than products of any external imposition. Patanjali’s view emphasizes the independence of one's nature, which remains unaffected by external "nimittam" (causes or conditions). Such conditions serve only as facilitators, not the primary force of transformation. This interpretation encourages practitioners to understand that spiritual development is about aligning with an Inner Reality rather than relying on outer forms or techniques to produce inner changes.

In the broader context of Patanjali’s teachings, this Sutra reflects the idea that True Knowledge or Realization is self-revealing and arises from within once the obstacles are removed. 

External aids in yoga (such as asanas, 

pranayama, or meditation techniques) are essential but secondary; they serve to clear mental and physical impurities that obscure the True Self. Thus, progress in yoga is a process of unveiling rather than creating something new, much like water that flows freely when the obstructions in its path are removed.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"All human progress and power are already in everything; this perfection is every man’s Nature, only it is barred in and prevented from taking its proper course. If anyone can take the bar off, in rushes Nature. Then the man attains the powers which are his already. Those we called wicked become saints, as soon as the bar is broken and Nature rushes in. It is Nature that is driving us towards perfection, and eventually she will bring everyone there. All these practices and struggles to become religious are only work to take off the bars, (like a farmer letting in water in his fields), and open the doors to that Perfection which is our birthright, our Nature."

Contextual Comparison with Similar Verses in Other Vedic Texts

To further understand this concept of inner transformation without external causation, we can look at a few similar verses from other Vedic texts.

Bhagavad Gita 3.27

"प्रकृतेः क्रियमाणानि गुणैः कर्माणि सर्वशः। अहंकारविमूढात्मा कर्ताहमिति मन्यते॥"

"All actions are performed by the modes of material nature (prakriti). The soul, deluded by ego, thinks, 'I am the doer.'"

In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna emphasizes that it is prakriti (nature) that enacts all actions, and the individual mistakenly perceives themselves as the "doer" due to ego. Similar to Patanjali’s teaching, this verse underscores that transformation or action is the natural unfolding of one’s intrinsic qualities, and the ego’s identification with these actions is an illusion.

Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9

"भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिः छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः। क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन दृष्टे परावरे॥"

"The knots of the heart are broken, all doubts are dispelled, and one's karma (past actions) is destroyed, when the Supreme Self is Realized."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad highlights that Realization arises when inner obstructions (like the knots of the heart) are cleared. 

Similar to Patanjali’s Sutra, it suggests that spiritual practices don’t "create" enlightenment but remove barriers, allowing the natural state of clarity and liberation to manifest.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.33

"उदके क्षेत्रिकस्येव योगिनामप्यनुत्तमः। निमित्ततया भवेत् योगः शुद्धिसिद्धेः प्रमाणतः॥"

"Just as a farmer directs water to his field, so does the yogi use practices as mere aids to purification, leading to the ultimate goal."

The Yoga Vashishta also uses the analogy of a farmer and irrigation to explain spiritual progress. Here, yoga is described as a "support" rather than a "cause," aiding purification and enabling the yogi to reach the Goal. This aligns with Patanjali's view that the practices serve to create the conditions for the natural flow of inner transformation.

Through these verses, we see a shared philosophical perspective in the Vedic tradition: that spiritual evolution is a process of clearing and purifying rather than creating or imposing. By removing mental and physical barriers, one's inherent nature or Higher Consciousness is allowed to reveal itself, just as water naturally flows when obstructions are removed.