Patanjali Yogasutra 4.26
तदा विवेकनिम्नं कैवल्यप्राग्भारं चित्तम्।
"Then, the mind inclines towards discrimination (viveka) and is oriented towards Realization (kaivalya)."
This Sutra emphasizes the transformative role of viveka
(discrimination) in the final stages of yogic practice. When the practitioner achieves a state of clarity, the mind becomes free from distractions and delusions, focusing solely on discerning the True Nature of Reality. The metaphorical "weight" (prāgbhāra) shifts towards Realization, indicating that the practitioner is no longer entangled in mundane existence. This state is the culmination of viveka-khyāti (unwavering discernment), where the Real (Purusha) and unreal (Prakriti) are distinctly perceived.
The mind, now devoid of attachments and impurities, naturally gravitates towards kaivalya, the state of absolute freedom. Kaivalya represents the cessation of the mind's modifications and the disentanglement of Purusha from Prakriti. The practitioner, through rigorous self-discipline and insight, reaches a stage where the distractions of the material world no longer exert influence, and the mind becomes a Witness, reflecting the Pure Consciousness of the Self.
This Sutra encapsulates the essence of ashtanga yoga. It reflects the fruition of practices like samadhi
and dhyana, where the mind's tendencies are subdued, and Consciousness becomes one-pointed. The yogi experiences profound vairagya (dispassion), and the once restless mind achieves a state of stillness, preparing for Ultimate Realization. It is a point of no return, where every mental activity aligns with the singular Goal of Freedom.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"Thus the practice of Yoga leads to discriminating power, to clearness of vision. The veil drops from the eyes, and we see things as they are. We find that this Nature is a compound, and is showing the panorama for the Purusha, who is the Witness; that this Nature is not the Lord, that the whole of these combinations of Nature are simply for the sake of showing these phenomena to the Purusha, the enthroned king within. When discrimination comes by long practice fear ceases, and the mind attains isolation."
Contextual Comparisons with Vedic Texts
Kathopanishad 2.1.11
यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह।
बुद्धिश्च न विचेष्टते तामाहुः परमां गतिम्।।
"When the five senses and the mind are still, and the intellect ceases to function, that is called the Highest State."
This verse parallels the idea of the mind becoming free from distractions and inclining towards Realization.
Both texts highlight the importance of stilling the senses and the mind to achieve the Ultimate State of Being.
Bhagavad Gita 6.15
युञ्जन्नेवं सदात्मानं योगी नियम्यमनसः।
शान्तिं निर्वाणपरमां मत्संस्थामधिगच्छति।।
"Thus, always keeping the mind balanced, the yogi, with disciplined effort, attains Peace and the Supreme State of Realization, which is rooted in Me."
The Bhagavad Gita describes the disciplined mind as a precursor to Realization. Like Patanjali’s sutra, it underscores the alignment of mental focus with Spiritual Goal to achieve the Ultimate State of Freedom.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.2
चित्तं चितिं समारुह्य शान्तिमायात्यनाविलम्।
विवेकध्यानयोगेन प्रमुक्तो भवबन्धनात्।।
"The mind, ascending to the plane of Pure Consciousness, attains Peace, untainted and clear. Through discrimination, meditation, and yoga, one becomes liberated from the bondage of Existence."
The Yoga Vashishta aligns closely with this Sutra, describing the mind's progression toward peace and Realization through viveka and meditation. It reflects the purification and orientation towards kaivalya
described by Patanjali.
In conclusion, Patanjali’s Yogasutra 4.26 resonates deeply with the themes found in various Vedic and yogic texts, reinforcing the universality of the path towards Realization through discrimination and detachment.
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