Patanjali Yogasutra 4.32
ततः कृतार्थानां परिणामक्रमसमाप्तिर्गुणानाम्।
"Then, for those who have fulfilled their purpose, the sequence of transformations of the Gunas (qualities of Nature) comes to an end."
Completion of Purpose:
This Sutra signifies the culmination of a yogi's journey when the Gunas— Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas — cease their transformations. The purpose of the Gunas is to facilitate the experiences and evolution of the Purusha (the individual Consciousness). Once the Purusha achieves Kaivalya, the Gunas no longer have a role, as their transformations are linked to the embodied state of the soul. This cessation marks the dissolution of worldly attachments and influences, leading to Ultimate Freedom.
End of Transformation:
The "परिणामक्रम" (sequence of transformations) refers to the continuous evolution and interplay of the Gunas. Throughout life, these qualities influence one's thoughts, actions, and experiences. In the state of Realization, this dynamic ceases because the yogi no longer identifies with Prakriti (Nature) or the mind-body complex. The Gunas revert to their primal state of equilibrium, as the purpose of worldly Existence (Kritartha) has been fulfilled.
State of Kaivalya:
Kaivalya is characterized by a profound Stillness, where the Eternal Self (Purusha) is free from the fluctuations of Prakriti. This Sutra encapsulates the Essence of detachment and Self-Realization. The yogi transcends the cycle of birth and death, as well as the dualities of pleasure and pain, experiencing the unchanging Truth of Pure Consciousness. It underscores the ultimate aim of Yoga, which is not just mastery over the mind but a complete dissolution of all mental constructs.
Comparative Context from Other Vedic Texts:
Bhagavad Gita 14.20
गुणानेतानतीत्य त्रीन्देही देहसमुद्भवान्।
जन्ममृत्युजरादुःखैर्विमुक्तोऽमृतमश्नुते।।
"Having transcended these three Gunas that arise from the body, the embodied One becomes free from birth, death, old age, and suffering and attains immortality."
This verse resonates with Yogasutra 4.32 by describing the transcendence of the Gunas as essential to Realization, highlighting the freedom from all limitations imposed by material existence.
Yoga Vashishta
गुणसाम्यं समाधिं च यदा याति मनीषिणः।
तदा तं परमा काष्ठा मोक्षेत्याहुर्मनीषिणः।।
"When the Wise One attains equilibrium of the Gunas and Samadhi, that state is declared as the Ultimate Goal — Moksha, by the sages."
This verse parallels the Yogasutra by emphasizing equilibrium of the Gunas as the hallmark of Realization and the cessation of their dynamic interplay as the essence of Moksha.
Katha Upanishad 2.2.10
यदा सर्वे प्रमुच्यन्ते कामा येऽस्य हृदि श्रिताः।
अथ मर्त्योऽमृतो भवत्यत्र ब्रह्म समश्नुते।।
"When all desires clinging to the heart are relinquished, then the mortal becomes immortal and attains Brahman even here."
Though focusing on desires rather than Gunas, this verse aligns with the idea that Realization involves transcending all attachments and Realizing the Eternal Truth.
The essence of Patanjali Yogasutra 4.32 finds resonance in multiple Vedic texts, all of which converge on the theme of Realization as the cessation of worldly dynamics. These verses collectively underline the transformative journey of the Self from bondage to freedom, through transcendence of the Gunas and desires, culminating in the Realization of the unchanging, Eternal Consciousness.
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