Patanjali Yogasutra 4.33
क्षणप्रतियोगी परिणामापरान्तनिर्ग्राह्यः क्रमः
"Sequence (Krama) is the uninterrupted succession that can be discerned as the final limit of change corresponding to each moment."
This Sutra is a profound statement on the nature of time, change, and the sequential flow of events. Patanjali explains that "Krama" (sequence) refers to the observable progression of transformations (Parinama) within the framework of time, marked by distinct moments (Kshanas). Each moment acts as a building block for the next, creating a continuum. In essence, the Sutra implies that time is the metric through which the process of transformation is understood. Without sequential flow, change would lack structure and coherence.
In the yogic context, this understanding underscores the importance of sensitivity in perceiving the subtle transitions in both external phenomena and internal Consciousness. The Sutra points towards the Ultimate Realization that while transformations occur on the surface, there exists an underlying, changeless Reality that observes these transitions. A yogi must discern between the mutable and the immutable, anchoring themselves in the eternal witness (Purusha) while navigating through temporal changes.
Finally, Patanjali hints at Realization (Kaivalya) through mastering Awareness of sequence and transformation. When one recognizes the moment-to-moment flow of time and its effect on perception, one transcends attachment to both past and future, dwelling instead in the eternal present. This is the pathway to freedom from the binding nature of time and karma, culminating in spiritual enlightenment.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"Patanjali here defines the word succession, the changes that exist in relation to moments. While I am thinking, many moments pass, and with each moment there is a change of idea, but we only perceive these changes at the end of a series. So, perception of time is always in the memory. This is called succession, but for the mind that has realised omnipresence all these have finished. Everything has become present for it; the present alone exists, the past and future are lost. This stands controlled, and all Knowledge is there in one second. Everything is known like a flash."
Contextual Comparisons
Bhagavad Gita 2.14
मात्रास्पर्शास्तु कौन्तेय शीतोष्णसुखदुःखदाः।
आगमापायिनोऽनित्यास्तांस्तितिक्षस्व भारत॥
"O son of Kunti, the contacts of the senses with their objects give rise to feelings of heat and cold, pleasure and pain. They are impermanent and transient; endure them patiently, O descendant of Bharata."
This verse complements the theme of Kshana and Krama from the Yogasutra by emphasizing the transient nature of sensory experiences and time-bound phenomena. Just as sequence denotes impermanence, Krishna advises recognizing this impermanence and cultivating equanimity amidst changing circumstances.
Mandukya Upanishad (Verse 7)
नान्तःप्रज्ञं न बहिष्प्रज्ञं नोभयतःप्रज्ञं न प्रज्ञानघनं न प्रज्ञं नाप्रज्ञम्।
अदृष्टमव्यवहार्यमग्राह्यमलक्षणमचिन्त्यमव्यपदेश्यमेकात्मप्रत्ययसारं प्रपञ्चोपशमं शान्तं शिवमद्वैतम्।
"It is not conscious of the internal or the external, nor both; neither a mass of Consciousness nor unconsciousness. It is unseen, unrelated, incomprehensible, uninferable, unthinkable, indescribable, the essence of the Self, the cessation of all phenomena, tranquil, auspicious, and non-dual."
The Mandukya Upanishad describes the transcendence of temporal sequences (Krama) by dwelling in the Turiya, the Ultimate State of Consciousness. This aligns with the Yogasutra's focus on witnessing the flow of change without being entangled, pointing towards Self-Realization.
Yoga Vashishta 6.2.89
क्षणे क्षणे यन्नवतामुपैति तदेव रूपं रमणीयतायाः।
प्रत्यग्रभावे हि द्रशोऽस्ति मोहः स एव मोहस्तमनु प्रवृत्तिः॥
"That which assumes a newness every moment is the Essence of beauty. When the mind is enamored by novelty, delusion arises, and from delusion follows attachment."
This verse from Yoga Vashishta highlights the dynamic nature of Reality, echoing Patanjali's Krama. It cautions against the delusive charm of continuous transformation and urges discernment to see through the illusion of temporality, fostering Realization through Wisdom.
The comparison across texts illustrates a shared Vedic philosophy on time, change, and the pursuit of transcendence through spiritual insight. Each verse enriches the understanding of Patanjali's teaching on Krama by offering complementary perspectives on impermanence, Wisdom, and Realization.
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