Yoga Sutras of Patanjali translated by Yogi Kalinath - Chapter 3, Verse 22

Pada 3, Sutra 22

Sanskrit Verse

Sopakramam nirupakramam ca karma tat-sanyamaad aparaanta-jnaanam aristebhyo vaa

Translation

Karma is of two kind: active and dormant, through constraint on them or on the signs/omens of death, the Yogi acquires knowledge of the time of death.

Interpretation

Karma is of two kind: Sopakrama which is active meaning bearing fruit and Nirupakrama which is dormant or yet to bear fruit. Our storehouse of Karma is etched in our deep subconscious mind through accumulated action and is termed Sanchita Karma of which a portion is the basis of our current embodiment (genetics) and existential experience which is termed Prarabdha Karma (fructifying action). Our current actions are called Kriyaman Karma and portion of these will be added to our storehouse of Karma (Sanchita Karma) and the other portion will bear fruit as Prarabdha Karma.

When the Yogi is able to discern and perform constraint on these different aspects of Karma in their lives, they are able to determine the Impeding time of their death.

The other method even though less reliable in determining the timing of one’s death is through developing awareness of omens. These are divided into 3 categories: subjective, objective and divine. The subjective is through purely the mind of the individual such as dreams and transformation in character. For example a harsh, impatient personality may become patient and more loving and compassionate. The objective is through the reflection of external events. An omen for example may be dogs howling for no apparent good reason (dogs being the companion of Bhairav). And lastly a divine sign may be Sages, Gurus, ancestors or Deities beckoning the Yogi to make the transition from this world to the next.

In the case of reading signs/omens one needs to be able to discern the imaginal from actual portents communication and are therefore deemed to be potentially more fallible.

Reflection

The unexamined life is not worth living—Socrates

Karma is the law of psycho-spiritual growth that involves an equal and opposite reaction for every action. Karma is a process designed to ensure evolution of consciousness.—Dr Jonn Mumford (beloved Swami Anandakapila Saraswati)