Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 2, Verse 14

Pada 2, Sutra 14

Sanskrit Verse

te hlaada-paritaapa-phalaah punyaapunya-hetutvaat

Translation

Birth, lifespan and life experiences are either pleasurable or painful according to the virtuous or non-virtuous nature of their cause.

Interpretation

The Law of Cause and Effect must bear fruit at some stage in our journey as an embodied being. Our thoughts, words and actions all create subconscious imprints that will in time manifest as either or both our internal and external paradise, hell or purgatory. Virtuous thoughts, words and deeds will create favorable and pleasurable mindsets and experiences while non-virtuous thoughts, words and deeds will create unfavorable and painful mindsets and experiences for both ourselves and others.

Reflection

Virtue has many definitions and implied implications. As well as pertaining to the individual, virtues can be attached to social and cultural value systems. From a self-reflection perspective look at virtue as:

· Taking responsibility for our own thoughts, words and deeds and the ability to appropriately respond to life circumstances (i.e. response-ability).

· The importance of building personal character through the principle of righteousness meaning learning and applying the right-use-ness of everything in our lives within our sphere of influence .

· Always striving to be the best version of ourselves and bringing out the best in everyone.