Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 1, Verse 5

Pada 1, Sutra 5

Sanskrit Verse

Vrttayah pancatayah klista-aklistah

Translation

The fluctuations are fivefold; afflicted (causing pain) or non-afflicted (not causing pain)

Interpretation

Patanjali informs us here that the fluctuations of the mindstuff is fivefold and can be further categorized as afflicted (causing pain) or non-afflicted (not causing pain).

The individual organisms gravitate naturally towards pleasure and away from pain. This is where we should start. Likewise in the beginning of our Yoga practice we should adopt and favor Sattvic food and activities in order to develop ‘lightness’, lucidity and purity. However, Sattva is never the goal but a mean to get closer to the Transcendental Self. Sattva itself is one of the three primary constituents (gunas) of material nature (Prakriti) and has therefore a binding effect when we become attached to its very concept. This is the same with our mind fluctuations. We need to first overcome our afflictions created by our mind modifications that causes us pain within and without by lifting our thoughts to higher planes. By higher planes is meant, thoughts, emotions and activities that are not self-serving, ego gratifying and arising from self-pity. Only once we are established in a non-afflicted internal state where our mind fluctuations are no longer causing us pain can we still the modifications of our mind altogether. Only when the mind is detached from all fluctuations (afflicted and non-afflicted) can it become still and realize the Ultimate Truth.

‘Be still, and know that I am God’ Psalm 46:10

Contemplation: If you don’t have a spiritual diary, get one. Reflect throughout the day on thoughts and emotions that afflict you, generate negativity and cause you pain. Write those down on the left side of the page then oppose those thoughts and emotions by thought-waves that are uplifting, their opposites and write them down on the right side of the page. Make it a conscious choice to release the afflicted thoughts and emotions.

You are not what you think. You are Consciousness itself.