Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras 31 to 40 along with their deep meanings:
31. Jati-desha-kala-samaya-
“By loosening the causes of bondage, one attains the great vow of non-attachment that transcends all limitations of caste, place, time, and circumstance.”
This sutra emphasizes the importance of cultivating a state of non-attachment that goes beyond societal, geographical, temporal, and situational limitations.
32. Shaucha-santosha-tapah-
– “The observances (niyamas) are cleanliness, contentment, austerity, self-study, and surrender to the divine.”
These five observances guide us towards self-discipline, inner purity, contentment, self-reflection, and surrendering to a higher power.
33. Vitarka-badhane pratipaksha-bhavanam – “When disturbed by negative thoughts, cultivate the opposite positive thoughts.”
This sutra teaches us to counteract negative thoughts by consciously cultivating positive thoughts, thereby transforming our mindset.
34. Vitarka himsadayah krita-karita-anumodita lobha-krodha-moha-purvaka mridu-madhya-adhimatra duhkha-ajnana-ananta-phala iti pratipaksha-bhavanam –
“Negative thoughts such as violence, whether committed directly, indirectly, or supported by others, arise from greed, anger, or delusion and result in endless suffering and ignorance. Cultivating the opposite thoughts leads to their cessation.”
35″viṣayavatī vā pravṛttir utpannā manasaḥ sthiti-nibandhanī”
“Or there is the establishment of the mind in a state that is bound to external objects.”
In this sutra, Patanjali highlights the tendency of the mind to get attached to external objects and experiences. It suggests that when the mind becomes fixated on the external world, it loses its stability and becomes entangled in the desires and distractions of the senses.
The purpose of this sutra is to remind us of the importance of cultivating inner awareness and detachment from external influences. By recognizing and understanding our mind’s tendency to be swayed by external objects, we can strive to develop a more balanced and focused state of mind.
36. Satya-pratishthayam kriya-phala-ashrayatvam –
“When established in truthfulness, actions result in their desired outcomes.”
This sutra highlights the power of truthfulness and how it aligns our actions with positive outcomes.
37. Asteya-pratishthayam sarva-ratna-upasthanam –
“When established in non-stealing, all treasures come to one.”
By practicing non-stealing (asteya), we create an environment where abundance naturally flows towards us.
38. Brahmacharya-pratishthayam virya-labhah – “By practicing celibacy or channeling sexual energy, one gains vitality.”
This sutra emphasizes the conservation and redirection of sexual energy, leading to increased vitality and inner strength.
39. Aparigraha-sthairye janma-kathanta-sambodhah – “When firmly established in non-possessiveness, knowledge of past lives arises.”
Through the practice of non-possessiveness (aparigraha), one gains insight into their past lives and experiences.
40. Shaucha-santosha-tapah-
This sutra reiterates the five observances from Sutra 32 and emphasizes their importance in guiding our spiritual journey.
These sutras delve into the significance of truthfulness, non-stealing, celibacy, non-possessiveness, and the observances (niyamas). They offer valuable insights into leading a balanced and purposeful life.