Yogasūtra III.16 -pariṇāma-traya-saṁyamāt-atīta-anāgata-jñānam

In a way, Saṁyama is the process of changing our understanding of something, from incomplete or erroneous, to total and full clarity. When this potential is developed, the individual can choose to develop a deep knowledge about any object. These objects can be gross and external, within the limits of sensual perception, or subtle, internal concepts like change, time and communication.

In the following Sūtra-s, examples of different possible areas of focus are given and the corresponding knowledge that arises out of Saṁyama on them. Knowledge here does not simply mean information, but also includes the integration of this knowledge into our entire system, in such a manner that we function from this awareness.

Whether we utilise Saṁyama to acquire knowledge of a specific nature, or to help us toward individual freedom, is an individual choice. True freedom is more than expertise, it is a state in which all our actions are such that they do not cause repentance or regret, and leave no latent impressions. Patañjali cautions us about the misuses of Saṁyama later, as these powers can themselves be a hindrance on our path toward liberation.

In this aphorism, Patañjali gives us his first example of Saṁyama and the knowledge that arises from its mastery.

Saṁyama on the three-fold transformation [leads to] knowledge of the past, [present] and future.

When the Saṁyama is directed toward the three transformations (Dharma- pariṇāma, Lakṣaṇa-pariṇāma and Avasthā-pariṇāma) in the elements and the senses, we will fully understand how these function and evolve. So it becomes possible to know how matter would have been in the past, and how it will evolve in the future.

Excerpt from Truth Unclouded, The Yogasūtra-s of Patañjali by TKV Desikachar with Dr Kausthub Desikachar. If you wish to purchase a copy, please visit https://khyf.net/shop/

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