Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 2, Verse 5

Pada 2, Sutra 5

Sanskrit Verse

Anityaashuci-duhkhaanaatmasu nitya-shuci-sukhaatma-khyaatir avidyaa

Translation

Ignorance (of one’s True Nature) is (erroneously) perceiving the temporal as eternal, impurity as purity, pain as pleasure and the non-self for the Self.

Interpretation

Human Beings inherently suffer from a case of misidentification. The source of all of our afflictions which is Ignorance (Avidya) is due to a total identification with our body-mind complex and seeking meaning and pleasure in ephemeral pursuits in a temporal world.

True and tested Spiritual Knowledge and Spiritual Practices are designed to dissolve ignorance of our true Spiritual Nature both philosophically and experientially. Joy and Peace ultimately can only be found when one abides in the Self Within.

Spiritual Practice: ATTITUDE AND PERCEPTION CHANGE

Practice the following attitude and perception to gradually dissolve misidentification with the body-mind complex: when you are tired for example instead of communicating to yourself and others ‘I am tired’ instead communicate ‘my body is tired’; when you are worried about something instead of communicating to yourself and others ‘I am worried’ instead communicate ‘I have worry thoughts’. Simultaneously with this and as a constant reminder perceive yourself as the Self simply witnessing every internal and external physical and mental processes. Become the Seer and cling to no-thing.