Yoga Sutra 2.34:

Vitarka Himsa Dayah Krita Karita Anumodita Lobha Krodha Moha Purvaka Mridu Madhya Adhimatra Dukha Ajnana Ananta Phala Iti Pratipaksha Bhavanam

Summary

Yoga Sutra 2.34 states: “Vitarka himsa dayah krita karita anumodita lobha krodha moha purvaka mridu madhya adhimatra dukha ajnana ananta phala iti pratipaksha bhavanam.” This sutra explains that negative thoughts and actions, whether done, caused, or approved, are driven by greed, anger, or delusion, and lead to endless suffering and ignorance. To counteract these, one should cultivate the opposite thoughts (pratipaksha bhavanam).

Analysis

Vitarka Himsa Dayah

• Translation: Negative thoughts and actions such as violence.
• Meaning: Vitarka himsa dayah refers to harmful thoughts and actions, including violence, that disturb the mind and lead to negative consequences.

Krita, Karita, Anumodita

• Translation: Done, caused, or approved.
• Meaning: These terms indicate that negative actions can be performed directly (krita), caused by others (karita), or approved of (anumodita). All forms contribute to negative karma.

Lobha, Krodha, Moha

• Translation: Greed, anger, delusion.
• Meaning: These are the root causes of negative thoughts and actions. Greed (lobha), anger (krodha), and delusion (moha) drive harmful behaviors.

Mridu, Madhya, Adhimatra

• Translation: Mild, moderate, intense.
• Meaning: These terms describe the intensity of negative actions and their consequences. They can range from mild (mridu) to moderate (madhya) to intense (adhimatra).

Dukha, Ajnana, Ananta Phala

• Translation: Suffering, ignorance, endless consequences.
• Meaning: Negative actions lead to suffering (dukha), ignorance (ajnana), and endless negative consequences (ananta phala).

Pratipaksha Bhavanam

• Translation: Cultivating the opposite.
• Meaning: To counteract negative thoughts and actions, one should cultivate positive and opposite thoughts. This practice helps to restore mental balance and harmony.

Significance of the Sutra

Yoga Sutra 2.34 emphasizes the importance of recognizing and counteracting negative thoughts and actions. It highlights that harmful behaviors, whether done directly, caused, or approved, are driven by greed, anger, and delusion, leading to suffering and ignorance. By cultivating opposite thoughts, practitioners can mitigate the effects of negative actions and promote mental clarity and well-being.

Common Interpretations

Traditional Interpretation

In traditional yoga teachings, this sutra is interpreted as a directive to cultivate positive virtues to counteract negative tendencies. Practitioners are encouraged to recognize the root causes of harmful behaviors and consciously replace them with positive thoughts and actions. This approach helps to transform negative emotions into positive ones and supports the development of a balanced and peaceful mind.

Modern Interpretation

In modern contexts, this sutra is often understood as a practical technique for managing negative thoughts and emotions. Practitioners are encouraged to practice mindfulness and self-awareness to identify negative thought patterns. By consciously replacing these thoughts with positive and constructive ones, individuals can enhance their mental health and emotional resilience.

Yoga Sutra 2.34 provides valuable guidance on the practice of cultivating positive thoughts to counteract negative ones. Whether approached through traditional or modern lenses, its teachings offer insight into how mental discipline and positive thinking can support overall well-being and inner harmony.