Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
Yoga-sutras 2.30-31 [Yama and Niyama—Development of personality], English translation with modern and ancient interpretation. The Patanjali Yogasutras describe an ancient Indian tradition spanning over 5000 years old dealing with Yoga:—Meditating the mind on the Atma leading to the realization of self. This study interprets the Yogasutras in light of both ancient and modern commentaries (e.g., Vyasa and Osho) while supporting both Sankhya and Vedanta philosophies.
Sūtra 2.30-31 [Yama and Niyama—Development of personality]
Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 2.30:
अहिंसासत्यास्तेयब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहा यमाः ॥ २.३० ॥
जातिदेशकालसमयानवच्छिन्नाः सार्वभौमा महाव्रतम् ॥ २.३१ ॥ahiṃsāsatyāsteyabrahmacaryāparigrahā yamāḥ || 2.30 ||
jātideśakālasamayānavacchinnāḥ sārvabhaumā mahāvratam || 2.31 ||(30) Ahimsā (non-injury), satya (truth), asteya (abstention from stealing), brahmacarya (continence) and aparigraha (abstinence from avariciousness) are the five yamas (forms of restraint). (31) However, (they become a) great vow when they become universal, being unrestricted by any consideration of class, place, time or concept of duty.
Ancient and Modern interpretation:
Vyāsa says,[1] non-injury to animals/plants which is not only killing, but frightening them etc also should be avoided by Yogī. While speaking truth, if it is likely to harm others, then silence is advisable. Asteya is do not covet anybody’s wealth. In bramacarya, sages say that,thinking of,talking about,joking, looking intently, secret talk, resolve, attempt and execution are eight forms of sexual indulgence. In aparigraha,only things necessary for maintain one’s body should be accepted.
Taimni says[2] that, sādhaka keeps aside the cruelties and injustice involved in his thoughts,actions and words and he will have right code of conduct intuitively.Slowly his life will be transformed into positive and dynamic life,full of compassion.So also, yogī should put in armour of truth. Yogī should not allow himself to take with himself,money,goods,credit of privileges not belonging to himetc. Yogī should abstain from sexual indulgence and also craving from sensual enjoyments such as use of scents,eating etc. He should also be non-possesive.
So yamas and niyamas should be followed not for others, but for your own spiritual upliftment.So, they should be practised as great vow, not selectively practised.
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
Taimni, op.cit., p.210-213