Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
by Makarand Gopal Newalkar | 2017 | 82,851 words | ISBN-13: 9780893890926
Yoga-sutras 4.20, 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 4.20
Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 4.20:
एकसमये चोभयानवधारणम् ॥ ४.२० ॥
ekasamaye cobhayānavadhāraṇam || 4.20 ||
(20) Besides, both (the mind and its objects) cannot be cognised simultaneously.
Ancient and Modern interpretation:
Bhāsvatī explains that [1] action of mind lading to awareness of itself does not give knowledge of object, e.g. hearing a sound and ‘I am aware that I am hearing a sound’ do not take place simultaneously.
Osho says,[2]
“It is impossible for the mind to know itself and any other object at the same time.”
This is all about witnessing. Mind can be perceiver, or it can be perceived.
Footnotes and references:
[1]:
Bhāsvatī, op.cit., p.619
[2]:
Osho, op.cit., p.107