Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 3, Verse 14

Pada 3, Sutra 14

Sanskrit Verse

Shaantoditaavyapadeshya-dharmaanupaatee dharmee

Translation

The substance / substratum conforms to the characteristic form which is subject to change as manifest, latent, or subdued.

Interpretation

Prakriti is the underlying substance or substratum, the constant which is subject to change through the dynamism of the 3 material modes of Nature called the Gunas. This is applicable to both objects and consciousness itself. So in material objects and phenomena, a condition is either made manifest, latent (potential) or subdued (restrained). The same is experienced in consciousness. Thoughts and mind impressions arise (manifest), are restrained (subdued) or a pause between rising and ebbing thoughts are experienced (latent) just like a pause between the in and out breaths. But in all cases whether objects, phenomena or consciousness, the substratum remains. The dynamism of change or transformation as manifest, latent, or subdued is connected to and moves through the chronology of past, present and future.

Reflection

Just as dust is inherent in the clay and the pot, so is self-realization inherent in consciousness and thought. The pot will eventually return to dust and so will the still consciousness beyond thought return to its original state of being self-realized.