Yoga Sūtra 2.18
prakāśa-kriyā-sthiti-śīlaṁ bhūta-indriya-ātmakaṁ bhoga-apavarga-arthaṁ dṛśyaṁ
Translation: "The seen (dṛśya) consists of the qualities of illumination (prakāśa), activity (kriyā), and inertia (sthiti-śīla). It is composed of the elements (bhūta) and the senses (indriya), and its purpose is to provide experience (bhoga) and liberation (apavarga)."
To fully understand this sūtra, let’s break down the key Sanskrit terms:
dṛśyaṁ – "the seen," referring to everything perceived by the mind and senses
prakāśa – "illumination," associated with sattva, the quality of clarity, wisdom, and light
kriyā – "activity," linked to rajas, the force of movement, passion, and energy
sthiti-śīla – "inertia," connected to tamas, the quality of heaviness, darkness, and stagnation
bhūta – "the elements," the material world
indriya – "the senses," our instruments of perception
bhoga – "experience," the process of engaging with the world
apavarga – "liberation," the ultimate goal of yoga—freedom from suffering
This verse reminds us that everything we see and experience is composed of these three guṇas—sattva (clarity), rajas (activity), and tamas (inertia). These qualities exist in us, shaping our perceptions, emotions, and actions, but they are not our true capital S Self (Puruṣa). The goal of yoga is to recognize this distinction.
A Practical Reflection for the Weekend
How can we bring light (prakāśa) into our weekend? Can we cultivate clarity and awareness in our thoughts and actions? Instead of letting the rajas (kriyā) energy pull us in a hundred directions, can we use it wisely to engage in meaningful activity?
And when tamas (sthiti-śīla) arises, can we be thankful for the rest it provides? Sometimes, stillness and deep sleep are necessary to restore balance.
Ultimately, be the light this weekend. Whatever you do, do it with awareness, gratitude, and presence. Peace out.
