Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)

by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926

Yoga-sutras 2.43, 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.

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 2.43:

कायेन्द्रियसिद्धिरशुद्धिक्षयात् तपसः ॥ २.४३ ॥

kāyendriyasiddhiraśuddhikṣayāt tapasaḥ || 2.43 ||

(43) Through destruction of impurities, presence of austerities brings about perfection of the body and organs.

Ancient and Modern interpretation:

Taimni explains, tapas is to purify the instrument of body,by cleansing the cittavṛttis. Prāṇāyāma is tapas par excellence. Here word siddhi has two meanings as occult power and perfection.

Jñānayogīs who do not practice austerities, may attain emacipation but may not attain siddhis or powers of body.

In short, if we have to prepare body and mind for sādhanā, they should be perfectly in healthy condition with no impurities. So, the aśuddhikṣaya is done by āsanas, śuddhikriyā, prāṇāyāma, etc.

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