Yoga Sutra 2.18

Prakasha kriya sthiti shilam bhutendriyatmakam bhogapavargartham drishyam

Summary

Yoga Sutra 2.18 states: “Prakasha kriya sthiti shilam bhutendriyatmakam bhogapavargartham drishyam.” This sutra explains that the seen (drishya) consists of the elements and sense organs, characterized by illumination (prakasha), activity (kriya), and stability (sthiti), and exists for the purposes of experience (bhoga) and liberation (apavarga).

Analysis

Prakasha

Translation: Illumination.

Meaning: Prakasha refers to the quality of light or clarity. It signifies the aspect of the seen that brings awareness and knowledge, allowing perception to occur.

Kriya

Translation: Activity.

Meaning: Kriya denotes action or movement. It represents the dynamic, active aspect of the seen that leads to change and transformation.

Sthiti

Translation: Stability.

Meaning: Sthiti signifies steadiness or stability. It refers to the aspect of the seen that remains constant and provides a foundation for experience.

Shilam

Translation: Character or nature.

Meaning: Shilam describes the inherent characteristics or qualities of the seen, encompassing illumination, activity, and stability.

Bhutendriyatmakam

Translation: Consisting of the elements and sense organs.

Meaning: Bhutendriyatmakam refers to the material world made up of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether) and the sense organs (indriyas) that interact with these elements.

Bhoga

Translation: Experience or enjoyment.

Meaning: Bhoga signifies the experiences, both pleasurable and painful, that arise from interaction with the seen. It represents the aspect of life dedicated to sensory experiences and enjoyment.

Apavarga

Translation: Liberation or release.

Meaning: Apavarga denotes the state of liberation or release from the cycle of birth and death. It represents the ultimate goal of spiritual practice, achieved through detachment from the seen.

Artham

Translation: Purpose.

Meaning: Artham signifies the purpose or aim of something. In this context, it refers to the reasons for the existence of the seen: for experiences and for achieving liberation.

Drishyam

Translation: The seen.

Meaning: Drishyam encompasses all that is perceptible to the senses, including the physical world and its interactions. It represents the ever-changing, impermanent aspect of reality.

Significance of the Sutra

Yoga Sutra 2.18 is significant as it provides a detailed description of the seen (drishya) and its purposes. By understanding that the seen consists of the elements and sense organs, characterized by illumination, activity, and stability, practitioners can gain insight into the nature of reality. This sutra emphasizes that the seen exists for the dual purposes of providing experiences (bhoga) and ultimately leading to liberation (apavarga). Recognizing these purposes helps practitioners develop discernment and detachment, guiding them towards spiritual growth and liberation.

Common Interpretations

Traditional Interpretation

In traditional yoga teachings, this sutra underscores the importance of understanding the nature and purpose of the seen (drishya). Practitioners are encouraged to recognize that the material world and its experiences serve both as opportunities for enjoyment and as steps towards liberation. The emphasis is on using the experiences gained from interaction with the seen to cultivate detachment and achieve spiritual liberation.

Modern Interpretation

In modern contexts, practitioners often interpret this sutra as a framework for understanding the dual purposes of life: enjoying sensory experiences and striving for personal growth and liberation. By recognizing that the material world provides both opportunities and challenges, individuals can approach life with a balanced perspective. The focus is on embracing experiences while maintaining a sense of detachment and mindfulness to achieve inner peace and fulfillment.

Yoga Sutra 2.18 provides a profound insight into the nature and purpose of the seen. Whether approached through traditional or modern lenses, its teachings offer valuable guidance for understanding the material world and using experiences to achieve a state of inner freedom and spiritual liberation.