Patañjali's Yogasūtra III.9 | Explained By Dr Kausthub Desikachar of Viniyoga

Yogasūtra III.9 - vyutthāna-nirodha-saṁkārayoḥ-abhibhava-prādurbhāvau nirodha-kṣaṇa-citta-anvayaḥ nirodha-pariṇāmaḥ

A transformation to steadiness of the mind happens in the moment of focus, when patterns of stability emerge and patterns of distraction diminish.

The mind is capable of being somewhere between two extreme states, one where it exhibits patterns of distraction (Vyutthāna-saṁskāra), and the other where it exhibits patterns of focus (Nirodha-saṁskāra). It cannot exist in both states at the same time. One has to diminish for the other to manifest. Both are realities we will experience at different moments of our lives.

Patañjali is presenting the concept of Nirodha-pariṇāma (transformation into steadiness), as this is the general direction toward the path of liberation. The term cittānvaya shows that this change does not just affect the mind, but also the other dimensions of our human system. Not only will the mind become steady, but also the body, breath and senses.

However, in the same manner we can also relapse and allow patterns of disturbance to dominate. Then we will exhibit the symptoms of distraction set out in Yogasütra I.31.


Excerpt from Truth Unclouded, The Yogasūtra-s of Patañjali by TKV Desikachar with Dr Kausthub Desikachar. If you wish to purchase a copy, please visit https://khyf.net/shop/


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Dr Kausthub Desikachar is the successor and current lineage holder of the classical Viniyoga tradition of T Krishnamacharya & TKV Desikachar. He is an acclaimed yoga teacher, yoga therapist, healer and spiritual adviser. His objectives include the sharing of the authentic teachings of Yoga to the modern era, as well as building bridges between different healing modalities to promote physical, emotional social and spiritual health.

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