Patanjali Yogasutra 4.28
(Samskaras)
हानम् एषाम् क्लेशवत् उक्तम् ॥
"The removal of these obstacles is achieved just as described in the case of the afflictions (kleshas)."
This Sutra comes in the context of the advanced stages of spiritual practice, where subtle mental impressions (samskaras) remain even after significant progress. Patanjali emphasizes that the process for removing these impressions follows the same principles as overcoming the kleshas (afflictions like ignorance, ego, attachment, aversion, and fear of death). It suggests the practitioner should apply consistent discernment, and meditative techniques to eliminate these subtle traces, as they are impediments to complete kaivalya.
The Sutra highlights the layered nature of the mind, where even advanced yogis must deal with residual samskaras. These latent impressions can influence behavior subtly and hinder absolute freedom. The approach to overcoming them involves the same tools - viveka
(discrimination), abhyasa (consistent practice), and vairagya
(detachment). This emphasizes the necessity for vigilance and persistent effort even in advanced spiritual stages, as Realization demands complete inner purification. We must gradually eliminate these subtle obstacles. The Sutra emphasizes the continuity of effort and the importance of maintaining the purification process until the mind is entirely free from residues of past experiences and attachments.
By comparing these residual impressions to the kleshas (Grossness), Patanjali underlines their disruptive nature, though subtle. Their removal leads to an unclouded state of Pure Awareness (drashta), where the Self Realizes its True Nature. This Sutra inspires practitioners to remain steadfast, recognizing that spiritual growth is a gradual and meticulous process, requiring diligence until Absolute Freedom is achieved. The disciplined and methodical approach must be sustained until even the faintest impressions are eradicated. This Ultimate State of Purity ensures that no distractions or latent tendencies can arise, allowing the practitioner to rest in their True Nature as Pure Consciousness, untainted by the fluctuations of the mind.
Contextual Comparison with Other Vedic Texts
Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9
भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिः छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः।
क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन् दृष्टे परावरे॥
"When the knots of the heart are broken, all doubts are resolved, and all karmas are destroyed, the individual attains Realization of the Supreme."
This verse mirrors the Yoga Sutras’ emphasis on eradicating the mental knots and impressions that bind the practitioner, leading to Ultimate Realization.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.21
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः।
बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम्॥
"The mind alone is the cause of both bondage and liberation. When attached to sense objects, it leads to bondage; when free from them, it leads to liberation."
This aligns with Patanjali’s Sutra by emphasizing the need to purify the mind from subtle impressions to achieve freedom from bondage.
Patanjali Yogasutra 4.28 highlights the practitioner’s responsibility to address residual samskaras using methods already applied to overcome kleshas. Comparisons with the Bhagavad Gita, Mundaka Upanishad, and Yoga Vashishta reinforce the universal Vedic teaching: Realization is achieved by purifying the mind and dissolving all obstacles through sustained self-discipline, and discernment.
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