Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
Yoga-sutras 2.55, 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 2.55
Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 2.55:
ततः परमा वश्यतेन्द्रियाणाम् ॥ २.५५ ॥
tataḥ paramā vaśyatendriyāṇām || 2.55 ||
(55) That brings supreme control of the organs.
Ancient and Modern interpretation:
For layman, the actions are controlled by sense organs on which he has no control. Aspirant by practice of five wings of yoga, gets good control over the indriyas. Then citta becomes the dictator for these sense organs.This sūtra explains the effect of pratyāhāra.
Osho says,[1]
The fifth constituent of yoga, pratyāhāra returning to the source is the restration of the mind’s ability to control the senses by renouncing the distractions of outside objects.Then comes the complete mastery over all senses. If you want to renounce anything,live it through by experiencing,by understanding,by maturity.Then there is no longer interest in outside world.You would like to know yourself.The energy that was moving in the world is now moving towards the centre.Then you become master.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Osho, op.cit., p221-224