Yoga Sutra 2.40:

Śaucāt svāṅga-jugupsā parairasaṁsargaḥ

Summary

Yoga Sutra 2.40 states: “Śaucāt svāṅga-jugupsā parairasaṁsargaḥ.” This sutra explains that through the practice of purity (śauca), one develops a distaste for one’s own body and disinclination towards contact with others’ bodies.

Analysis

Śauca

• Translation: Purity.
• Meaning: Śauca refers to cleanliness and purity, both internally and externally. It involves maintaining a clean body, mind, and environment, as well as cultivating purity of thoughts and emotions.

Svāṅga-jugupsā

• Translation: Disgust for one’s own body.
• Meaning: Svāṅga-jugupsā signifies a sense of dispassion or detachment from the physical body. This detachment arises from recognizing the impurities and limitations of the physical form.

Para

• Translation: Others.
• Meaning: Para refers to other people or beings.

Asaṁsargaḥ

• Translation: Disinclination towards contact.
• Meaning: Asaṁsargaḥ means avoiding contact or association. In this context, it refers to a disinclination towards physical contact with others.

Significance of the Sutra

Yoga Sutra 2.40 highlights the significance of śauca (purity) in cultivating a deeper understanding of the body’s limitations and impurities. By practicing purity, one develops a sense of detachment from the physical form, leading to a more focused and disciplined mind. This detachment also fosters a sense of disinclination towards unnecessary physical contact with others, promoting a more introspective and mindful approach to relationships and interactions.

Common Interpretations

Traditional Interpretation

In traditional yoga teachings, this sutra is interpreted as emphasizing the importance of physical and mental purity. By maintaining cleanliness and purity, practitioners become more aware of the transient and impure nature of the physical body. This awareness leads to a natural detachment from physical desires and a deeper focus on spiritual practices.

Modern Interpretation

In modern contexts, this sutra is often understood as a reminder of the importance of personal hygiene and mental clarity. Practitioners are encouraged to maintain cleanliness in their surroundings and thoughts, which helps to promote a healthy and balanced lifestyle. The sense of detachment from the physical body is seen as fostering a more mindful and respectful approach to personal boundaries and interactions with others.

Yoga Sutra 2.40 provides valuable insight into the practice of śauca. Whether approached through traditional or modern lenses, its teachings underscore the importance of purity and detachment in cultivating a focused and disciplined mind, as well as a mindful approach to relationships and interactions.