क्लेशकर्मविपाकाशयैरपरामृष्टः पुरुषविशेष ईश्वरः॥२४॥
Isvara is a special (visesa) Soul (purusa), which is unaffected (aparamrstah) by the sources of suffering (klesas), action (karma), the consequences of our actions (vipaka) or the storage of these actions in our subconscious (asayaih).
PRACTICAL LIVING Let us do some review (ksema) since this sutra reveals some new ideas. Under the ‘History’ page we explained that the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali are based on another philosophy called Samkhya. Samkhya states that all living beings are made of two things. Firstly, matter (prakrti), which includes our bodies, thoughts and emotions. These are constantly changing. Secondly, we also have a part of us that is unchanging, the Seer, our true nature, our Soul or Spirit (purusa).
This sutra is a continuation of the previous one, which mentioned the belief in a higher power of one’s choice. Patanjali offers this as a suggestion, as a tool for meditation for those who either have an inborn tendency to believe in God, or for those who do not have enough inner trust (see Sutra I.20). Here, Patanjali begins to describe what this higher power/light (isvara) is.
He says that unlike our bodies, thoughts and emotions (prakrti), isvara is not affected by the sources of suffering (klesas). Later in the beginning of chapter 2, we will explore these in detail. But for clarification, we will introduce them now. The klesas are what Patanjali says cause us pain. They are the reason for our suffering and are listed below:
1. avidya (misperception). Due to our conditioned minds, we see things from a colored lens instead of seeing things exactly as they are. Avidya is the root for the following klesas.
2. asmita (over-identification). Referred to as the ego, or the concept of “I am-ness”, this occurs when we over identify ourselves with our jobs, last names, cars, partners, homes…etc. This creates problems because it gives us the idea (or illusion) that we are what we have, so if we lose what we have, we lose part of ourselves.
3. raga (craving). A strong desire for an object, idea, belief system or person, we over attach to something to feel safe. We grab onto that as if it were our lives. We want to repeat experiences that were once enjoyable. But because matter is always changing, this often leads to disappointment and not living the present experience (we live the past or future experience).
4. dvesa (aversion). The other side of the coin to craving, this is avoiding an experience that we believe will give us pain. The problem is that when combined with misperception, we can end up avoiding social occasions, adventures, and, in general, many situations which actually bring us pleasure and joy because the mind links them to something previously experienced.
5. abhinivesa (fear). Perhaps the deepest klesa we have, it is based on the instinct of survival. We all want to live, and therefore fear death. But we also fear death of relationships, careers, financial stability, love, attention…you name it. Many of those fears are directly related to the above 4.
So isvara is this special entity that is not affected by the above. It is also not influenced by our actions (karma) and the results of our actions (vipaka). Our present life is a consequence of the actions we took in the past, whether they were positive or negative. Sometimes we see the results immediately, but sometimes they are only seen years or decades later. These actions leave traces (asayaih) in our subconscious and isvara is unaffected by these as well.
In summary, this sutra is telling us what isvara is not. It is different than human beings who are affected by all of these elements mentioned above. Isvara is a special soul/light (purusa), it’s the light of all lights. And whether you like calling it God, Ganesha, The Sun or anything else, it’s up to you.
IN THE YOGA WORLD So isvara is a special purusa. There is a difference between purusa (individual soul) and purusa visesa (Special Soul). According to Samkhya, Purusa as explained in Sutra I.3, is present in each individual. The individual purusa in each human being, though it remains unaffected and unrelated to matter (prakrti), still appears (due to misperception) to be connected and related to prakrti, because the mind is ruled by the sources of suffering (the klesas). In Isvara, there is no delusion since there is no body and no mind. The kleshas have therefore no chance to affect the isvara. Nor does action (karma) and its consequences (vipaka).
In the end, Patanjali presents 7 sutras that describe the concept of a higher power and its qualities for those who would benefit from it. Please don’t misperceive this (avidya – one of the sources of suffering) and conclude that Yoga is religious! Patanjali was a wise man, and suggested this as an option because the object of meditation is not what matters. What is important is to choose something that brings us to an internal space of peace, awareness, trust and wisdom.
INSPIRATIONAL PERSON Karuna is a being of faith. She is a beautiful woman, living life with an immense amount of energy, enthusiasm and love for self-growth. Her pursuit for self-healing and helping others transform is largely based on a faith in a higher power, a trust in life, and surrendering to that which we have no control over. She has a profound understanding that her isvara is unaffected by the can of worms that our minds are. Her devotion for that bigger light is beautiful to experience. Thank you Karunita for sharing your wonderful self with me for the past 3 weeks! Beijo com muito carinho!
Do you have any experiences you would like to share? Please interact as much as you like – everyone will learn from your personal experiences!
Thanks and we will look at what is isvara is next week!