Wednesday, December 25, 2013

Patanjali Yoga Sutra – III – 20



No general images can be known


Na cha tat salambanam tasyavishayi bhutathwath|


Continuing from the previous Sutra, Patanjali Maharshi says that while knowing the general repetition of thoughts and emotions can reveal only a general nature of another’s mind, it is not possible to know all the specific thoughts as even the other person’s mind has not full grasped the specific details. There is hence an objectless state of existence for such thoughts.
For instance, a person’s anger, hatred and jealousy can be easily seen as a repeated thought as it has an object to focus on. Without such an object, the general thoughts of another’s mind cannot be understood. If I am angry with someone it is easy for the one who knows this anger movement. If I am contemplating on the nature of human life, then it is very difficult as it is a general idea.
To know another”s mind is to know the contents of one”s own mind. Then it is worth the effort to know only the mind of God and the saints. Staying in tune with the repeated thought of the Lord or the Guru, uplifts us to their heights. Tuning in to ordinary minds with their ego< hatred and greed drags us down -  SS

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

very simple and concise explanation. Thank you.