Yoga Posturas » Learn Yoga » Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1.3.
Patanjali's Yoga Sutra 1.3.
Question:
1.3. Then the seer exists by itself as itself In the light of non-volitional, non-moving and therefore spontaneous and choiceless awareness the undivided intelligence with its apparent and passing modifications or movements of thought within itself is not confused with nor confined to any of these. Then (when yoga thus happens), the seer or the homogeneous intelligence which is ignorantly regarded as the seperate experiencer of sensations and emotions, and the seperate performer of actions, is not split up into one or the other of the states or modifications of the mind, and exists by itself and as itself. sandra’s comments – We are one, and this is a profound and simple way of viewing ourselves. Although what we think of as self is made up of an infinite number of components, none of these nor their mere sum is self. There’s a mystery, call it soul, spirit, anima that is the spark of life. Once again we learn yoga isn’t meditation although meditation can lead us to this place where the seer exists by itself as itself.
Response:
1.3. Then the seer exists by itself as itself.
Feuerstein trans: 1.3. Then the seer abides in its essence. sandra’s comments – We are one, and this is a profound and simple way of viewing ourselves. Although what we think of as self is made up of an infinite number of components, none of these nor their mere sum is self. There’s a mystery, call it soul, spirit, anima that is the spark of life. Once again we learn yoga isn’t meditation although meditation can lead us to this place where the seer exists by itself as itself.
tim’s comments: In addition to your observation about what this sutra says about our nature, it is also I think an elegant expression of where yoga leads us. "Yoga is the restriction of the fluctuations of consciousness; then the seer abides in its essence." If we were all sunken sailboats, patanjali’s yoga would be the process of scraping away the barnacles, seaweed, scum, etc. until only the sailboat remained. And as well see in later sutras, patanjali isn’t concerned about what tool you use — a screwdriver, a spatula, a sandblaster, or an old tin can (i.e., compassion (1.33); pranayama (1.34); asana (1.35); study (1.36); devotion to a saint (1.37); dream insight (1.38); mediation (1.39)). They all can lead toward an awareness and experience of whatever it is that is left after all the muck is scraped away. A very quiet place, I think.
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