Patanjali's Yogasutra | Dr. Kausthub Desikachar | II.12 | 12 Aug 2017

Introduction and Invocation

The class begins with an invocation led by the teacher, Prabhavati Jagat.

Invocation

• The class starts with a traditional invocation led by Prabhavati Jagat.

• The Sanskrit chants and prayers are recited to set the tone for the Sutra class.

Introduction of Patanjali Yoga Sutra

The teacher introduces the topic of discussion, which is the Patanjali Yoga Sutra.

Patanjali Yoga Sutra

• The teacher introduces the topic of discussion as the Patanjali Yoga Sutra.

• Patanjali is mentioned as the author of these ancient texts on yoga philosophy.

Explanation of Clashes and Treasures

The teacher explains how to deal with clashes and treasures according to Patanjali's teachings.

Clashes and Treasures

• Patanjali's teachings emphasize dealing with clashes and treasures.

• Clashes refer to conflicts or obstacles that arise in life.

• Treasures are valuable experiences or insights gained from overcoming clashes.

• It is important to address clashes when they are small and manageable.

Sequence of Events in Actions

The teacher explains the logical sequence of events in actions according to Patanjali's teachings.

Sequence of Events

• Actions follow a logical sequence according to Patanjali's teachings.

• The sequence starts with gaining knowledge (jnanam).

• Knowledge leads to desire or wish (ichha).

• Desire stimulates action (karma).

• Action has consequences (karma phala).

• Consequences leave residual feelings (vritti samskara).

• Residual feelings influence future actions or knowledge.

Actions Based on Pleasure

The teacher discusses the consequences of actions based on pleasure according to Patanjali's teachings.

Actions Based on Pleasure

• Actions based on pleasure rather than clarity can lead to troubling consequences.

• Immediate consequences are known and correlated with the action.

• Delayed consequences may manifest much later, making it difficult to connect them to the original action.

• Actions based on pleasure can perpetuate a cycle of unclear knowledge and further actions.

Immediate and Delayed Consequences

The teacher explains the difference between immediate and delayed consequences of actions.

Immediate and Delayed Consequences

• Immediate consequences are known immediately after an action.

• They can be easily related to the original action.

• Delayed consequences may manifest much later, making it challenging to connect them back to the initial action.

• Understanding the potential for delayed consequences is crucial in evaluating our actions.

Example of Delayed Consequences

The teacher provides an example illustrating delayed consequences of actions.

Example of Delayed Consequences

• An example is given where a person punches someone in anger during a road incident.

• If immediate retaliation occurs, there is a clear correlation between the action and consequence.

• However, if retaliation happens much later through indirect means, it becomes challenging to connect the dots between the initial action and subsequent trouble.

The transcript ends here.

The Consequences of Actions Based on Pleasure

This section discusses the consequences of actions based on pleasure in the Vedic tradition. It emphasizes that actions rooted in pleasure will have consequences that manifest later, even if one becomes enlightened.

Actions and Consequences

• In the Vedic tradition, there is a saying that once an action is initiated, its consequences will not disappear until they are fully manifested.

• Actions based on pleasure will only quiet down after their consequences have been expressed.

• Discussions in Vedanta, Tashieka, Brahmanas, and other texts delve into this topic in great detail.

Enlightened Actions vs. Past Actions

• Enlightenment does not free one from the consequences of past actions rooted in pleasure.

• Even if someone becomes enlightened, they may still face challenges resulting from previous actions.

• Past actions based on pleasure will have to bear their consequences before they fade away.

Delayed Consequences

• Sometimes the consequences of our actions are not immediately apparent but become evident later in life.

• Examples include individuals who used drugs when young and experienced neurological problems or memory loss later in life.

• These delayed consequences can arise when the body becomes weaker and cannot handle the effects of past actions.

Unconscious Influence of Clashes

This section explores how clashes (unresolved issues) can unconsciously influence our lives and relationships. It highlights the importance of resolving conflicts and apologizing for mistakes to prevent long-term negative impacts.

Subtle Influence of Clashes

• Clashes often operate at an unconscious level rather than a conscious level.

• Traumatic experiences or unresolved issues from the past can manifest as continuous problems later in life without us realizing their connection.

Apologizing and Resolving Conflicts

• It is crucial to apologize for mistakes immediately when they occur to prevent unresolved conflicts from building up.

• Unresolved conflicts can color subsequent actions and decisions, even years later.

• When unresolved issues resurface during critical moments, they can significantly impact our lives.

Importance of Apology

• Both the person who dominates or makes mistakes and the person receiving the apology play a role in resolving conflicts.

• The person who dominates must apologize immediately, while the recipient must accept the apology.

• Failure to accept an apology keeps the issue pending and influences future actions without any apparent connection.

Difficulties in Apologizing and Receiving Apologies

This section focuses on difficulties in apologizing for mistakes and receiving apologies. It highlights how these challenges stem from pleasure-based reactions and emphasizes their influence on subsequent actions.

Pleasure-Based Reactions

• Difficulties in apologizing or receiving apologies often arise from pleasure-based reactions such as anger, resentment, or ego.

• These reactions hinder genuine resolution of conflicts and perpetuate their influence on future actions.

Manifestation of Actions

• Actions rooted in pleasure manifest through our body, intentions, and words.

• The consequences and feelings associated with such actions will reflect this underlying pleasure-based motivation.

These sections provide insights into the consequences of actions based on pleasure, the unconscious influence of clashes, and difficulties in apologizing and receiving apologies. Understanding these concepts can help individuals navigate their relationships more effectively by addressing unresolved issues promptly.

Apologizing and Offering Consolation

In this section, the speaker emphasizes the importance of apologizing to someone if necessary and offering consolation when needed. They also highlight the significance of not carrying pending issues and letting go of negative experiences.

Apologizing and Consoling Others

• It is important to apologize to someone if you have done something wrong or hurtful.

• Similarly, offering consolation to someone who is going through a difficult time is crucial.

Letting Go of Pending Issues

• Carrying pending issues can be detrimental to our well-being.

• Just like our body absorbs nourishment and eliminates waste, we should receive what is nourishing in life and let go of what is waste or negative.

• If we don't eliminate negative experiences, they can accumulate and create consequences that are difficult to deal with later on.

Recognizing Subconscious Clashes

• Many clashes in our lives stem from a deeply subconscious place, making it challenging for us to recognize them on our own.

• Sometimes, we need another person such as a teacher, counselor, or mentor to show us that our actions are coming from a place of clashes.

• Family members may not always be able to provide an unbiased perspective due to their own agendas.

Actions Have Consequences

• According to yoga philosophy, every action has consequences, including inaction.

• Refusing to help someone in need is considered an action (inaction), which also carries consequences.

Positive Actions and Consequences

In this section, the speaker shares an example of a positive action and its consequences. They highlight that both positive and negative actions can have delayed consequences.

Example of a Positive Action

• The speaker shares a personal story about their father accompanying them to the airport out of love and attachment.

• Despite getting separated, a kind auto rickshaw driver offers to wait for the speaker's father without expecting any payment.

Delayed Consequences

• The concept of delayed consequences applies not only to negative actions but also to positive ones.

• Good deeds may not always result in immediate rewards; their consequences can manifest later on.

This summary covers specific sections of the transcript as requested, providing concise information with associated timestamps for easy reference during study or review.

New Section

In this section, the speaker discusses the concept of karma and its impact on our lives and future generations.

The Influence of Karma

• The speaker explains that when something bad happens to us, it is often because we have done something wrong in the past.

• Karma can be transferred through generations, meaning that one's actions may affect not only themselves but also their children and grandchildren.

• Our actions have consequences not just for ourselves but also for future generations. This is particularly important in a materialistic world where individualism is emphasized.

• We are not completely independent individuals; we are dependent on each other and our actions impact others' lives as well.

• Karma extends beyond our current life; it can affect future lives if one believes in reincarnation.

• The sutra warns about the accumulation of negative karma, emphasizing the importance of addressing it early to avoid greater suffering later.

Understanding Pleasure and Intention

• Pleasures or negative actions can have immediate or delayed consequences, even manifesting unexpectedly later in life.

• Acting based on expectations of future outcomes should be avoided. Intention plays a crucial role in determining whether an action is pleasurable or not.

• Hurting someone unintentionally does not result in negative karma, as long as there was no intention to cause harm. Intentions matter when assessing the consequences of our actions.

This section highlights the significance of understanding karma and its influence on our lives and future generations. It emphasizes the importance of being mindful of our actions and intentions to avoid accumulating negative karma.