Sūtra 4.23

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of sūtra 4.23:

द्रष्टृदृश्योपरक्तं चित्तं सर्वार्थम् ॥ ४.२३ ॥

draṣṭṛdṛśyoparaktaṃ cittaṃ sarvārtham || 4.23 ||

(23) It follows from previous sūtra that the mind-stuff being affected by the seer and the seen is all-comprehensive.

Ancient and Modern interpretation:

Vyāsa opines,^[1] as explained in sūtra I.41, mind behaves like a reflecting crystal and is known as all-comprehending. Seeing this likeliness to consciousness, the ignorant regard mind as a conscious entity. Some hold mind alone is real and the world of objects with cows, pots is nonexistent.

In samādhi, the object cognized is reflected in the mind and is differnt from mind. Here what cognizes the object reflected in the mind is puruṣa. That is why those who regard knower, object and knowledge of object as of diferent categories have true knowledge and they realize puruṣa.

Araṇya explains,^[2] correct knowledge is acquired through study and contemplation. Those who recongnize knower, the instrument of reception and knowable as different due to different cognisibility have correct vision. The existence of puruṣa, an attainment of vivekakhyāti, knowledge about puruṣa is acquired through such vision. Then mind is dissolved by supreme renunciation, kaivalya or liberation is attained.

Osho describes,^[3] when the mind is coloured by the knower and the known, it is all apprehending. Mind is the bridge between you and outside world. If it is coloured by things it sees and also by witnesser, then mind becomes tremendous instrument of knowledge. Here outside and inside, both worlds are real.

Footnotes and references:

[1]:

Araṇya, op.cit., p.389

[2]:

Ibid., p. 390

[3]:

Osho, op.cit., p.107