Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 3, Verse 13

Pada 3, Sutra 13

Sanskrit Verse

Etena bhootendriyesu dharma-laksanaavasthaa-parinaamaa vyaakhyaataah

Translation

By this are explained the transformation of quality, character and condition of the mind in regards to the sense organs and elements.

Interpretation

Both matter and mind experience change and it experiences those changes over the continuum called time. Both gross and subtle matter—pancha mahabhutas and gunas are part and parcel of Prakriti and is eternally changing. It is through the sense and action organs that we perceive both matter and its changes. Likewise, the mind being the subtle sense and action organ of thought, is able to perceive both thoughts and their activities. As mind appears to be eternally changing it is also therefore an aspect of Prakriti.

Mind and time are indistinguishable and mind just like matter are locked in time, hence the changes and transformations we are able to perceive through the elements and sense organs.

The analogy is often made in regards to a clay pot. The dust of clay is formed into a lump to make a pot. The quality or propriety (Dharma) is the dust of the clay while the lump is the modification or character (Laksana) and the pot the final condition (avasthaa). These three phases of transformation are universal and affect both matter and mind.

However in the state of cognitive absorption or Samadhi, the thoughtless state, one’s awareness is no longer subject to Prakriti. Consciousness abides in its own Self beyond the three phases of change and is able to be observed as the Witness Consciousness.

Reflection

You are the Eternal Changeless One.