Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | YS II.4 | 11 March 2017

Chant to Honor Sri T. K. K. V. Desikachar

The chant is introduced to honor the teacher Sri T. K. K. V. Desikachar, highlighting his lineage and qualities.

Chant Description

• The chant is dedicated to Sri T. K. K. V. Desikachar, a revered teacher.

• It acknowledges him as the son and student of Acharya K. Krishna Marjasiya.

• Desikachar is praised for bringing light to the teaching tradition of Nathamani.

• He is described as having auspicious qualities and being a great healer.

Introduction to Sutras

The sutras are about to begin after honoring the teacher.

Start of Sutras

• The sutras are about to commence after paying tribute to Sri T.K. Desikacharavas.

Yoga Sutras Verse Recitation

Recitation of verses from the Yoga Sutras begins.

Yoga Sutras Verses

• Verses from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras are recited in Sanskrit.

• The verses praise Patanjali and express reverence towards him.

Understanding the Five Kleshas (Afflictions)

Explanation of the five kleshas (afflictions) mentioned in the previous class.

Five Kleshas Explanation

• Last week, the third sutra of the second chapter was completed, which elaborated on the five kleshas - Avittya, Asmita, Raga, Dvesha, and Abhinivesha.

• Patanjali will define each of these kleshas in detail.

Hierarchy Among the Kleshas

Patanjali presents a sutra discussing the hierarchy among the kleshas.

Hierarchy of Kleshas

• Patanjali introduces a sutra that establishes the hierarchy among the kleshas.

• Avittya is identified as the primary field (shetram) for other kleshas to follow.

• Asmita, Raga, Vesha, and Abhinivesha all originate from Avittya.

Avittya as the Root Cause

Understanding Avittya as the root cause of all afflictions.

Avittya as Root Cause

• Avittya is considered the fundamental klesha from which all others arise.

• Eliminating Avittya would eliminate other afflictions since they are expressions of it.

• Addressing Asmita, Raga, Vesha, and Abhinivesha without addressing Avittya is a pacificatory approach but does not deal with the root cause.

Knowledge and Relationship

Exploring knowledge and its dependence on relationships.

Definition of Knowledge

• Knowledge depends on having a relationship with something or someone.

• Knowing someone well requires establishing a relationship with them.

The Importance of Relationship and Connection

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the significance of having a relationship with oneself and others. They explain that disconnection (Avittya) leads to suffering, and that engaging in relationships is essential for true knowledge and understanding.

Yoga as a Relationship

• Yoga is defined as a relationship by the speaker's father.

• Without being linked or connected to something, one cannot truly know or understand it.

• Modern society tends to seek information before engaging in relationships, but yoga teaches the opposite approach.

Knowing Through Experience

• Engaging with something is necessary to truly know and understand it.

• Intellectual information alone is not sufficient for knowledge.

• Patanjali also emphasizes the importance of proximity and relationship for the mind to know something.

Proximity and Accessibility

• Proximity refers to accessibility.

• Merely reading about someone or something does not provide true access or connection.

• Accessible opportunities create occasions for conversation and deeper engagement.

Mutual Interest in Relationships

• Both parties need to be interested in each other for a relationship to form.

• Merely being a fan or admirer does not guarantee a genuine connection.

• Over time, clarity about oneself and others can develop through engaged relationships.

Self-realization through Connection with Oneself

This section highlights the importance of establishing a relationship with oneself. The speaker explains that self-interest, accessibility, and self-reflection are crucial for self-realization. They emphasize creating space and time for oneself amidst life's busyness.

Creating Space for Self-accessibility

• Amidst busy lives, it is important to make time for oneself.

• Being accessible to oneself involves creating space for self-reflection and self-inquiry.

Genuine Interest in Self

• Many people are more interested in knowing about others than themselves.

• Genuine self-interest and self-reflection are necessary for self-realization.

Reflection and Self-inquiry

• Patanjali's concept of Swadhya-ya emphasizes self-reflection and self-examination.

• Developing trust in oneself is crucial for knowing oneself.

Relationship with Oneself as a Starting Point

• Without a relationship with oneself, other problems arise.

• Identifying solely with external identities (e.g., nationality, gender) creates limitations and obstacles.

Overcoming Avidya through Self-knowledge

This section focuses on the concept of Avidya (disconnection from oneself) and the importance of developing a relationship with oneself. The speaker explains that without self-knowledge, one remains in Avidya and suffers. They emphasize that building an identity based on external factors leads to suffering.

Importance of Relationship with Oneself

• Patanjali highlights the necessity of having a relationship with oneself.

• Without this relationship, one forms identities based on external factors (ego).

Building Identity Based on External Factors

• Identifying solely with nationality or gender creates limitations and obstacles.

• Such identities restrict personal growth and understanding.

The Need for Self-reflection and Purpose in Life

In this section, the speaker discusses the importance of self-reflection and finding purpose in life. They highlight how getting caught up in routine can hinder personal growth. The concept of Svadharma (one's own duty or purpose) is mentioned as a means to guide one's actions.

Lack of Self-interest and Reflection

• Many individuals focus more on others' lives rather than their own.

• Getting caught up in routines without questioning one's purpose can hinder personal growth.

Importance of Self-reflection

• Self-inquiry and self-reflection are crucial for personal development.

• Patanjali's concept of Svadhya-ya emphasizes self-examination and self-knowledge.

Finding Purpose in Life

• Reflecting on one's purpose and motives is essential.

• Discovering one's Svadharma (own duty or purpose) guides actions and brings clarity.

The transcript provided does not cover the entire video, so the summary may not include all the content.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses how animals, such as dogs and cats, do not have names or identities like humans do. They observe differences without judgment and live together harmoniously.

Animals' Perspective on Differences

• Animals do not see themselves as different based on breed or species.

• They play, live, and interact with each other without any issues.

• Humans create boundaries and identities due to ego and a lack of self-awareness.

New Section

The speaker explains that the human evolution from animals to humans took thousands of years. With the development of civilization came the creation of rules and identities, which led to problems.

Formation of Identity

• Civilization led to the formation of rules and identities.

• These identities are not who we truly are but cause conflicts.

• Desire arises to conform or validate these identities.

New Section

The fundamental problem humanity faces is a lack of self-awareness. The speaker highlights how identity creates problems because it is disconnected from our true selves.

Lack of Self-Awareness

• Humanity's fundamental problem is a lack of self-awareness.

• Identity is not who we truly are but causes immediate problems.

• Raga (desire) develops to vitalize our identity.

New Section

The speaker discusses how identity is formed through civilization and how desire (Raga) further strengthens that identity. This desire leads to conflicts with other identities (Devasha).

Formation of Identity

• Identity is formed through civilization.

• Raga (desire) arises to strengthen one's own identity.

• Devasha (conflict) occurs when one desires their own identity over others'.

New Section

The speaker gives an example of how personal identity and desire (Raga) can manifest in supporting one's own team in a cricket match.

Personal Identity and Desire

• Personal identity, such as being Indian, leads to desires like wanting one's team to win.

• Raga (desire) vitalizes personal identity.

• This desire can create conflicts with other identities.

New Section

The speaker explains how national identities are formed and how they fuel desire (Raga) and conflict (Devasha).

National Identities

• National identities are formed through civilization.

• Raga (desire) and Devasha (conflict) arise from these identities.

• Disconnection fuels Raga and Devasha.

New Section

The speaker discusses the role of fear (Shah) in relation to identity. Fear of losing one's identification can lead to anxiety and disconnection.

Fear and Disconnection

• Fear arises from the desire to protect one's identity.

• Fear of losing identification leads to anxiety.

• Asmita (disconnection) is fueled by fear, Raga, and Devasha.

New Section

The speaker explains that Avidya is the fundamental disconnection caused by a lack of relationship with oneself. Fear, desire, and conflict stem from this disconnection.

Avidya: Lack of Relationship

• Avidya is the lack of relationship with oneself.

• Fear, desire, and conflict stem from this disconnection.

• It is our duty to find ourselves rather than relying on others for self-discovery.

New Section

The speaker emphasizes that it is our responsibility to find ourselves and not expect others to help us in our self-discovery.

Finding Ourselves

• We should find ourselves before seeking a partner.

• Expecting someone else to help us find ourselves is flawed.

• It is not someone else's duty to assist us in finding our true selves.

New Section

The speaker explains that Avidya, the lack of relationship with oneself, leads to a lack of knowledge. Building relationships is essential for gaining knowledge.

Avidya: Lack of Knowledge

• Avidya is the lack of relationship that creates a lack of knowledge.

• Building relationships is crucial for acquiring knowledge.

• Engaging with others and having unique experiences are necessary for learning.

New Section

Each person's perspective and experience are unique, emphasizing the importance of starting with a relationship with oneself.

Unique Perspectives

• Each person has their own unique perspective.

• One person's experience may differ from another's due to various factors.

• Our duty is to start with a relationship with ourselves before seeking external connections.

New Section

Fear plays a role in survival but can become problematic when we live every moment as if we are going to lose something.

Fear as Survival Mechanism

• Fear serves as a survival mechanism in certain situations.

• Living every moment in fear creates problems.

• Balancing fear and living fully is essential.

New Section

Avidya, the fundamental disconnection, stems from a lack of relationship. It is important to have a sense of self before seeking validation through others.

Fundamental Disconnection: Avidya

• Avidya arises from a lack of relationship and disconnection.

• Seeking validation through others is flawed.

• Finding ourselves is our responsibility.

New Section

The speaker emphasizes the importance of not relying on others to find ourselves and the responsibility we have in our own self-discovery.

Responsibility for Self-Discovery

• Putting the responsibility of finding oneself on a partner is burdensome.

• It is not someone else's duty to help us find ourselves.

• We cannot find ourselves through someone else.

New Section

Avidya, the lack of relationship with oneself, leads to a lack of knowledge. Building relationships is essential for gaining knowledge.

Avidya: Lack of Knowledge

• Avidya is the lack of relationship that creates a lack of knowledge.

• Building relationships is crucial for acquiring knowledge.

• Engaging with others and having unique experiences are necessary for learning.

New Section

Each person's perspective and experience are unique, emphasizing the importance of starting with a relationship with oneself.

Unique Perspectives

• Each person has their own unique perspective.

• One person's experience may differ from another's due to various factors.

• Our duty is to start with a relationship with ourselves before seeking external connections.

New Section

In this section, the concept of Avitya and the four claysias (Asmita, Raga, Vaishya, Abhinivasha) are discussed. The claysias can exist in different states - dormant (Prasuttha), slightly manifested (Tanu), or fully expansive (Uda, Anam).

Understanding the Claysias

• Patanjali introduces the concept of Avitya and its relation to other claysias.

• The elimination of Avitya leads to the cessation of other claysias.

• The four main claysias are Asmita (ego), Raga (attachment), Vaishya (aversion), and Abhinivasha (fear).

• These claysias can exist in three states: dormant (Prasuttha), slightly manifested (Tanu), or fully expansive (Uda, Anam).

Effects of Different States

• When the claysias are dormant or sleeping, they do not cause any problems.

• Slight manifestation of the claysias leads to minor issues like ego, fear, and desire.

• Full expansion of any claysia results in significant problems related to that specific claysia.

Interplay between Claysias

• When one claysia is dominant, others become weaker or quieter.

• If all claysias were dominant simultaneously, it would create numerous problems.

• Patanjali emphasizes that when one is very dormant, others are usually cut or less active.

New Section

This section explores how the dominance or manifestation of a particular claysia affects our thoughts and actions. It also highlights that clasias cannot be destroyed but can be made sleepy.

Impact of Dominant Claysia

• When a claysia is dominant, it influences our thoughts and behaviors.

• Extreme desire can make us overlook certain things or not feel certain emotions.

• An example is given where a mother's strong affection for her child made her fearless of a cockroach until the child was safe.

Rationality and Irrationality of Clasias

• Clasias, including desires, aversions, and ego, are often irrational in nature.

• Fear can be illogical, causing us to fear things that are not actually threatening.

• The problem with clasias lies in their irrationality and lack of rational control.

Clasias Cannot Be Destroyed

• Patanjali states that clasias cannot be destroyed completely.

• They can only be made sleepy or less active temporarily.

• Just as we cannot sleep forever, clasias will eventually wake up and need to be dealt with.

New Section

This section emphasizes the inherent human nature of experiencing clasias. It also discusses the relationship between material existence and spiritual consciousness.

Human Nature and Identity

• As humans, we have a complex relationship between our material bodies and spiritual consciousness.

• Our needs for physical sustenance and societal functioning require some level of identity or ego.

• Even when individuals renounce their previous identities (e.g., changing names), they often adopt new identities.

The Problem with Ego

• Replacing one identity with another does not eliminate ego; it merely shifts its focus.

• Identifying oneself as a swami or guru still involves ego rather than true enlightenment.

Awareness of Clasias' Presence

• We should never assume complete freedom from any of the five clasias, including Avikta (ignorance).

• Being aware of when clasias are dormant, slightly manifested, or fully manifest helps us navigate their influence.

New Section

This section concludes the discussion on clasias by highlighting the fundamental role of deep (ignorance) and its influence on other clasias.

Fundamental Role of Deep

• Among the five clasias, deep is considered the most fundamental.

• Deep leads to the manifestation of other clasias such as ego, attachment, aversion, and fear.