Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 3, Verse 16

Pada 3, Sutra 16

Sanskrit Verse

Parinaama-traya-sanyamaad ateetaanaagata-jnaanam

Translation

Through constraint on the three stages of transformation comes knowledge of the past and the future.

Interpretation

A constrained mind is a focused mind that can start to exhibit various psychic powers or Siddhis. These are natural phenomena of the psyche that are not normally experienced due to our thoughts and mind being easily dispersed and distracted.

In this verse, the first to describe the Siddhis, Rishi Patanjali states that when one’s attention is constrained to the modification an object is subject to such as its properties, quality and condition it is possible to obtain knowledge of the past and future state of the object itself.

This in turn allows the Yogin to develop the awareness of time as a sequential and flowing phenomenon.

Reflection

Appearance in this material dimension is inseparably linked to time. Therefore do not be fixated on the appearance of any object but on its inherent value and fulfillment of its destiny.