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Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 2, Verse 25


Pada 2, Sutra 25

Sanskrit Verse

Tad-abhaavaat sanyogaabhaavo haanam tad-drsheh kaivalyam

Translation

With the disappearance of ignorance, the correlation between the Seer and the seen disappears. This is emancipation.

Interpretation

In this verse Rishi Patanjali mentions the word Kaivalyam to describe the state experienced when the Seer is no longer correlated (identified) with the seen. Kaivalya is therefore the unconditional existence of the Self, the Seer’s innate ‘aloneness of seeing’ distinct from nature/objects. It is awareness of awareness itself beyond and devoid of any reference.

Reflection

Everything that is experienced and seen, whether internally or externally fluctuates and changes over time. There is only one constant, the Witnessing. Everything that is experienced internally as mind or externally as objects (including circumstances and experiences) is through the medium and expression of Prakriti (Nature—the five Elements and the three Gunas). Consciousness (the Witnessing) through the agency of the mind identifying itself with Prakriti is ignorance which leads to pain and suffering. Discrimination between the Perennial and the ephemeral, and detachment from the conditions of the ephemeral dissolves ignorance.

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