Text I.3 tadā draṣṭuh svarūpe ‘vasthānam
tadā, then, at that point;
draṣṭuḥ, of the seer, of the soul;
svarūpe, in its own real essential nature;
avasthānam, abiding, remaining, being absorbed in
Translation: When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature. (Edward F. Bryant, The Yoga Sutra of Pantajalin, A new Edition, translation, and commentary).
“The mind is often engaged in relentless activity, brimming with thoughts, emotions, and various distractions. However, achieving a state of inner quietude allows us to access a more profound level of awareness and insight. Reflect on the analogy of a lake and the moon, as mentioned in text 1.2. When the lake’s surface is calm, it mirrors the moon’s perfect reflection. Similarly, yoga teaches that when the mind is tranquil, undisturbed by the constant ‘winds’ of sensory input and external influences, it can reflect our true nature. This idea echoes the concepts in texts 1.1 and 1.2, where yoga is defined as the practice of calming the mind’s fluctuations, leading to a state of Nirodha, or control and cessation. In the serenity of Nirodha, the soul begins to perceive its authentic essence. This essence is often described as pure consciousness, free from the mind’s constraints and conditioning. It is a state of unadulterated awareness, allowing us to connect with our genuine selves and experience unity and interconnectedness with our surroundings. This realization is akin to seeing and understanding one’s true self. Notably, yoga’s goal is not to alter who we are but to unveil and awaken the true nature of our being. It is a journey of attuning to our spiritual selves, recognizing that we are inherently complete and perfect.
Imagine a time when you were entirely absorbed in a moment, perhaps while watching a sunset, listening to music, or even in deep contemplation. In that instance, the usual clutter of thoughts, worries, and distractions faded away, and you experienced a sense of peace and connection with the moment. This experience is a glimpse of what the sutra describes — a state where the soul (the seer) rests in its true nature, unaffected by the usual turbulence of the mind.
In our everyday lives, our minds are like an ocean in a storm, constantly churned by waves of sensory inputs, emotions, and thoughts. This relentless activity often veils our true self. However, yoga offers the tools to calm this storm. Through practices like meditation, breath control (pranayama), and physical postures (asanas), yoga systematically quiets the mind.
For instance, consider the practice of meditation. Initially, it might seem like a battle with endless thoughts. But with persistence, there comes a moment of stillness, where the mind is no longer distracted by its usual patterns. This stillness is where we begin to experience our essential nature, free from the layers of conditioning and perception.
This concept is also echoed in the analogy of the calm lake reflecting the moon. When our mind is still, it reflects our true self, unobscured by the ripples of mental disturbances. This clarity brings about a profound understanding of our interconnectedness with the world, fostering a sense of unity and peace.
The practice of yoga, encompassing meditation, breath control, and asanas (physical postures), aims to purify the body and cultivate mental stillness. This process enables us to access our inner wisdom, gain clarity, and align with our true nature, ultimately fostering a deeper sense of peace, fulfillment, and self-realization.”
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