Patanjali Yoga Sutra Transcribed from Parisamvad at The Yoga Institute
Chapter 2, Sutra 28 - Yoga Sutra 2.28
Yoganganusthanat Asuddhiksaye Jnanadiptih Avivekakhyteh
Yoganga: Steps of Yoga
Anusthanat: By the sustained practice
Asuddhi: Impurities
Ksaye: With the elimination
Jnana: Wisdom, knowledge
Diptih: Light, brilliance
a: Until
Vivekakhyateh: Discriminative knowledge
Translation:
For by the sustained practice of the accessories (steps) of yoga, the impurities are destroyed, and enlightenment of wisdom reaches discriminative knowledge.
Insights from Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra
Dr. Jayadeva Yogendra explains, “Yoga sutra 2.28 highlights the importance of the various steps of yoga and how they work to reduce hindrances and impurities, making subsequent yoga practices easier. Yoga involves overcoming the Kleshas—defects like Avidya (ignorance), Asmita (ego), Raga (attachment), and Dvesha (aversion). This process of overcoming is essential for true progress in yoga.
Yoga sutra 2.28 tells us that following yoga means actively working to eliminate these hindrances. Yoga isn't just about physical practices; it involves overcoming untruth and other impurities. Controlling these impediments is crucial for gaining knowledge of reality. Once the impediments are removed, knowledge reveals itself. Overcoming ignorance and material attachment leads to clarity and true understanding.
If you want to learn yoga, you must overcome these obstacles. Stop speaking untruths, stop stealing, and gradually, as these actions decrease, light and understanding will come, leading to yogic ideals of clarity and comprehension. This is the essence of the sutra.”
Insights from Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra
Smt. Hansaji J. Yogendra emphasizes on Yoga Sutra 2.28 and says, “This is one of the most important sutras. The phrase 'following the path of yoga, steps of yoga' indicates the discipline of the eight steps: Yama, Niyama, Asana, Pranayama, Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi. As Dr. Jayadeva mentioned, if you are speaking untruths or hurting others, you are not following yoga. Following the path of yoga means removing impurities—ignorance, ego, attachment, hatred, and selfishness.
Removing these impurities is crucial for progress. As long as these impurities exist, further progress is impossible. Once they are removed, knowledge reveals itself, reaching the highest level—Viveka Khyati (discriminative knowledge). The first stage is understanding what is worthless and worthwhile in this world. The second stage is total Vairagya (detachment), as the reasons for the union of Prakriti and Purusha are understood and released.
The third stage is achieving the Samadhi state and reaching Moksha. The fourth stage is achieving the height of knowledge. Finally, the Chitta (mind) completes its work of Bhoga and Apavarga, leading to the realization that Purusha and Prakriti are separate. The Chitta dissolves, revealing consciousness as the only thing shining.
These seven stages end with consciousness remaining. We must understand what is worthless and worthwhile, practice Vairagya, and work hard on ourselves through Karma. The Bhagavad Gita advises doing your duty and leaving the rest, which is essential for understanding consciousness and achieving Chitta Vrutti Nirodha (cessation of mind modifications).”
Key Points to Remember:
Patanjali Yoga Asanas: Practice them to eliminate impurities and achieve wisdom.
Yoga Sutra 2.28: Focus on sustained practice to reach discriminative knowledge.
Patanjali Yoga 10: Follow the tenets of Patanjali Yoga to progress in your spiritual journey.
By incorporating these principles and diligently practicing Patanjali yoga asanas , one can transcend impurities, gain wisdom, and achieve true enlightenment as described in Yoga Sutra 2.28. Remember, Patanjali Yoga 10 emphasizes the importance of overcoming hindrances and impurities to reach the highest levels of knowledge and understanding.