Patanjali Yogasutra 4.6
तत्र ध्यानजमनाशयम्।
"In that state, the mind generated by meditation is without latent impressions (karmic residues)."
In this Sutra, Patanjali refers to a mind state that is cultivated through deep meditation, or "dhyana." This meditative mind is described as "anashaya," meaning it is devoid of the latent impressions or karmic residues that typically color human Consciousness. These karmic residues, known as "samskaras," are formed by past actions and experiences, which often influence thoughts, desires, and actions. In the advanced meditative state mentioned here, these samskaras are effectively neutralized, leading to a pure, unconditioned mind. This Sutra implies that sustained meditation can dissolve the habitual patterns of thought and reaction rooted in past conditioning.
Patanjali's concept of a mind free from impressions highlights the ultimate aim of yogic practice: liberation from the binding effects of karma and samskaras. When the mind is truly without these latent impressions, it no longer responds automatically to stimuli based on past experiences. Instead, it exists in a State of Pure Awareness, observing phenomena without being influenced or reactive. This unconditioned state of mind is necessary for attaining
kaivalya, where the individual is released from the cycle of rebirth and attains a state of unity with Pure Consciousness.
Furthermore, Patanjali’s reference to a mind born out of meditation also emphasizes the transformational power of deep meditation. This state is not achieved by mere intellectual understanding or moral discipline but through profound inner absorption. It suggests that meditation can lead to a rebirth of the mind, in which the limitations of the conditioned Self are transcended, and one attains a deeper state of wisdom and insight. This “reborn” mind is thus liberated from the compulsions of past karma and becomes a vehicle for direct, unmediated perception of reality.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"Among all the various minds that we see in various men, only that mind which has attained to samadhi, perfect concentration, is the highest. A man who has attained certain powers through medicines, or through words, or through mortifications, still has desires, but that man who has attained to samadhi through concentration is alone free from all desires."
Contextual Comparison with Similar Verses
Bhagavad Gita 6.27
प्रशान्तमनसं ह्येनं योगिनं सुखमुत्तमम्।
उपैति शान्तरजसं ब्रह्मभूतमकल्मषम्॥
"The supreme happiness comes to the yogi whose mind is at peace, whose passions are calm, who is free from impurity, and who has become one with Brahman."
This verse from the Bhagavad Gita highlights a similar state of mind as described by Patanjali. Here, the yogi attains supreme happiness and calmness by purifying the mind and removing all impurities, much like the "anashaya" state free from karmic residues in the Yogasutra. The reference to "becoming one with Brahman" suggests that through meditation, one transcends personal identity and experiences unity with the absolute.
Mandukya Karika 3.34
अतीतानागतं चित्तं विस्पष्टं वर्तमानतः।
अविकल्पमनाः शान्तं न तस्याभिजनोत्तमः॥
"The mind, contemplating the past and the future, finds clarity in the present, becoming thoughtless and peaceful, with no concern for high lineage or achievements."
This verse from the Mandukya Karika discusses the mind that attains clarity by focusing on the present and becomes thoughtless (avikalpamana), unperturbed by past or future. Like the meditative mind described by Patanjali, this mind state is peaceful and free from the influence of past impressions or desires, signifying the calmness achieved through deep meditation.
Yoga Vashistha 6.1.39
यदिदं सर्वमखिलं ज्ञेयं योऽहं सदा स्फुरे।
चित्ते न स्फुरति ध्यानादानन्दपरिशीलने॥
"When one Realizes the Self that illumines everything, and experiences no impressions in the mind through meditation and cultivation of bliss, one is established in Pure Awareness."
In the Yoga Vashistha, there is a description of a state where the mind is free from impressions and is illuminated by the Self, similar to Patanjali's anashaya. This mind state arises through meditation, where one transcends thoughts and becomes rooted in the experience of Bliss and Pure Consciousness. This comparison reflects Patanjali's emphasis on meditation as a means to dissolve the mind's latent impressions and attain a Higher State of Awareness.
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