Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 3, Verse 9

Pada 3, Sutra 9

Sanskrit Verse

Vyutthaana-nirodha-sanskaarayor abhibhava-praadur-bhaavau nirodha-ksana-cittaanvayo nirodha-parinaamah

Translation

When the subconscious impressions are suppressed by an act of conscious restraint so that there are no longer any impressions upon the mind, that is the transformation of consciousness towards restraint.

Interpretation

Nature, life, our body and our mind are in a constant state of flux. That is the dance of the expression of the existential self. Nature or Prakriti and the Self are eternal. The former is eternally fluctuating therefore in a constant state of transformation while the latter is simply eternally witnessing. In Tantra, these principles are known as Shiva-Shakti, Pure Consciousness and energy, the intangible particle state (Self-referring) within the tangible wave state (the Divine Play to the enlightened or the world of chaos to the ones living in and under illusion).

Reflection

Ask yourself at any given time: “who is in?” Where is your awareness at any given time?

Are you under the spell of illusion or are you anchored in the Self witnessing and therefore consciously participating in this wonderful thing called life beyond the vagaries of the mind which is a misery making factory?