Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
Yoga-sutras 3.6, 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 3.6
Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 3.6:
तस्य भूमिषु विनियोगः ॥ ३.६ ॥
tasya bhūmiṣu viniyogaḥ || 3.6 ||
(6) It (saṃyama) is to be applied to the (successive) stage (of practice).
Ancient and Modern interpretation:
As per Sādhanāpāda II.27, Patañjali defines seven states of prajñā, without describing them. We can compare these seven states with seven cakras of kuṇḍalinī yoga or seven valleys as given by Sufi saint Attar or seven states of consciousness as given in Yogavāsiṣṭha.
But the energy gained in saṃyama should not be used for gaining supernatural powers etc, but it should be used for attaining higher states of consciousness.
Osho says,[1]
“Climb high, climb far, your goal the sky, your aim the star”.
Do not rest or be contended till the star is born and you become eternal light. Yoga believes in efforts.
Vyāsa has explained[2] this as, one has to attain the stages of yoga progressively. One cannot skip the lower stages and go to higher stages directly But One can attain directly higher stages by grace of God, that sādhaka need not practice the lower stages e.g. thought reading.etc.
So, Vyāsa quotes,
“Yoga is to be known by yoga and Yoga itself leads to Yoga. He who remains steadfast in Yoga always delights in it.”
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Osho, op.cit., p.21