Patanjali Yogasutra 4.30
(Ignorance)
ततः क्लेशकर्मनिवृत्तिः
"From that State, cessation of afflictions and karmic consequences occurs."
This Sutra marks a pivotal moment in Spiritual Realization, describing the ultimate result of attaining Kaivalya. In this State, the practitioner transcends the realm of afflictions (kleshas) such as ignorance (avidya), egoism (asmita), attachment (raga), aversion (dvesha), and clinging to life (abhinivesha). These afflictions are the root causes of karmic accumulation. Once Kaivalya is reached, the cycle of actions and their consequences (karma) ceases entirely. This cessation indicates freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth, as the practitioner has risen beyond duality and identification with the material world.
The path to this cessation is through the diligent practice of yoga's eightfold path, leading to viveka khyati (discriminative discernment). By deeply understanding the nature of existence and identifying with the Eternal Purusha (the Seer), the yogi dissolves the causes of suffering. This State is not a mere intellectual understanding but a profound experiential Realization where the mind becomes free of all disturbances, leaving the individual in a State of unshakable Peace and Bliss.
The Sutra also emphasizes the principle of causation in Indian philosophy. As long as the causes (kleshas) exist, their effects (karma) will manifest. Liberation is, therefore, not arbitrary but the natural consequence of systematically dissolving the root causes of bondage. This aligns with the broader Sankhya-Yoga philosophy that views liberation as the ultimate disentanglement of Purusha from Prakriti (Nature). The Sutra invites practitioners to perceive liberation as a reachable State achieved through conscious effort and sustained practice.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"When that cloud of virtue has come, then no more is there fear of falling, nothing can drag the yogi down. No more will there be evils for him. No more pains."
Contextual Comparison with Other Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 4.14
न मां कर्माणि लिम्पन्ति न मे कर्मफले स्पृहा।
इति मां योऽभिजानाति कर्मभिर्न स बध्यते॥
"Actions do not taint Me, nor do I desire the fruits of actions. One who understands Me thus is not bound by actions."
The Gita speaks of liberation from karma by transcending attachment to action and its fruits.
This parallels Yogasutra 4.30, as both emphasize the cessation of karmic
bondage through Spiritual Realization.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.3
भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः।
क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिन्दृष्टे परावरे॥
"When That which is both High and low is Realized, the knot of the heart is loosened, all doubts are resolved, and all karma is destroyed."
This Upanishadic verse echoes the idea of karmic dissolution upon Realization of the Ultimate Truth. It resonates with the Yogasutra’s concept of liberation, emphasizing experiential Knowledge as the key.
Yoga Vashishta 6.1.6
ज्ञानं ज्ञेयं तथा ज्ञाता त्रितयं नास्ति वास्तवम्।
अज्ञानाद्भाति यत्रैतत्तत्र बाध्यं पुनः पुनः॥
"Knowledge, the object of Knowledge, and the Knower—this triad does not exist in Reality. These arise from ignorance and are repeatedly negated upon Realization."
The Yoga Vashishta focuses on the dissolution of duality and ignorance. In the conscious Realm, the object, it's knowledge, and the Knower are separate. All three become One, when ignorance goes. Both texts highlight that Realization arises from transcending conceptual distinctions. These comparisons underline the universality of the Yogasutra's teachings across various Vedic and philosophical texts, emphasizing Realization through dissolution of ignorance and afflictions.
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