Apurva – Yoga with Jenn

tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam.

Then the true self abides in its own nature.

Yoga Sutra 1.3

What occurs when we quiet the mind, as directed by Sutra 1.2? Do we persist? Does our consciousness endure? In the third sutra, Patanjali assures us that indeed, we persist, and our consciousness endures. Upon liberation from the citta vrittis—those fluctuations of the mind—we attain insight into our authentic nature: you are puruṣa, the soul, the witness, the observer. You transcend identification with the body engaging with the world and the ceaseless churn of the mind’s thoughts and desires.

Yoga Sutra 1.3 expresses, “tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam,” signifying the seer’s immersion in its own essence, resting in its true nature, also referred to as self-realization – the ultimate outcome of yoga—the revelation of one’s authentic self.

The mind resembles a reflective lake. The citta vrittis are akin to external forces that influence this lake. When the lake is agitated by wind, waves distort the reflection. Turbulence and impurities muddy the water, leading to a hazy or tainted reflection. However, your essence remains unchanged; only the reflection alters. To perceive your true reflection, the water must be clear and tranquil, free from external disturbances.

From moment to moment, as our thoughts and experiences of the external world change, so does our perception of ourselves and who we are. However, when the lake of the mind becomes still and clear, then the truth is no longer distorted; we get to see and know ourselves as we really are, always have been, and always will be.

Om Sat Nam