Yoga Sutra 2.12

Sanchita klesha mulah karmasayo drishta adrishta janma vedaniyah

Summary

Yoga Sutra 2.12 states: “Sanchita klesha mulah karmasayo drishta adrishta janma vedaniyah.” This sutra explains that accumulated actions (karmasaya) rooted in afflictions (kleshas) manifest in visible and invisible births, bringing experiences in life.

Analysis

Sanchita

Translation: Accumulated.

Meaning: Sanchita refers to the accumulated effects of past actions or karma that have been stored over time. These accumulated actions form the basis of one’s karmic influence.

Klesha

Translation: Afflictions.

Meaning: Klesha denotes the mental and emotional obstacles that cause suffering and hinder spiritual growth. These include ignorance, egoism, attachment, aversion, and fear of death.

Mulah

Translation: Root or source.

Meaning: Mulah signifies that the afflictions (kleshas) are the root cause or source of the accumulated actions (karma). They are the underlying factors that drive one’s actions and experiences.

Karmasaya

Translation: The repository of actions.

Meaning: Karmasaya refers to the storehouse of accumulated karma. It is the collection of all past actions and their latent impressions that influence one’s present and future experiences.

Drishta

Translation: Seen or visible.

Meaning: Drishta signifies the manifest or visible aspects of one’s experiences and actions. These are the tangible outcomes of past karma that one encounters in the current lifetime.

Adrishta

Translation: Unseen or invisible.

Meaning: Adrishta refers to the unseen or invisible aspects of karma that have not yet manifested. These latent impressions influence future experiences and births.

Janma

Translation: Birth.

Meaning: Janma denotes the process of birth or rebirth. It signifies the cycle of life and death influenced by one’s accumulated karma.

Vedaniyah

Translation: To be experienced.

Meaning: Vedaniyah indicates that the accumulated karma will result in experiences that one must undergo. These experiences can manifest in both seen (visible) and unseen (invisible) forms, influencing one’s life journey.

Significance of the Sutra

Yoga Sutra 2.12 is significant as it highlights the concept of karma and its influence on one’s life and spiritual journey. By understanding that accumulated actions (karma) rooted in afflictions (kleshas) lead to various experiences in life, practitioners can become more mindful of their actions and strive to purify their minds. This sutra emphasizes the importance of addressing and overcoming afflictions to break the cycle of karma and achieve liberation.

Common Interpretations

Traditional Interpretation

In traditional yoga teachings, this sutra is seen as a guide for understanding the intricate workings of karma and its impact on one’s spiritual journey. Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate awareness and mindfulness in their actions, recognizing that past karma shapes their present and future experiences. The emphasis is on overcoming afflictions (kleshas) through dedicated practice and self-discipline to purify the mind and attain liberation.

Modern Interpretation

In modern contexts, practitioners often interpret this sutra as a framework for understanding the psychological and emotional influences of past actions. The concept of accumulated karma can be seen as the cumulative effects of one’s thoughts, behaviors, and experiences. By addressing and overcoming mental and emotional obstacles, individuals can create a more positive and fulfilling life journey.

Yoga Sutra 2.12 provides a profound insight into the nature of karma and its influence on human experience. Whether approached through traditional or modern lenses, its teachings offer valuable guidance for understanding and transcending the cycle of karma to achieve a state of inner freedom and harmony.