तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम् ॥३॥
पदविभाग: (separating individual words): तदा, द्रष्टुः, स्वरूपे, अवस्थानम्
अन्वय: (Rearranging in logical prose sequence): तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपे अवस्थानम् ।
प्रतिपदार्थ: (word-by-word meaning): योगः (yogaḥ): तदा = Then (when the fluctuations of the mind have been entirely restrained), द्रष्टुः = of the Seer (the pure consciousness or the true self), स्वरूपे = in its own essential nature (or true state), अवस्थानम् = establishment / resting,
तात्पर्यम्: (final translation): Then, the Seer becomes established in its own unmodified nature.
Further context on the 3rd sutra in Patanjali’s Yogasutras
To understand this deeply, we can look at the root of the words. The noun द्रष्टृ (draṣṭṛ) is formed from the root verb दृश् (dṛś), meaning “to see,” combined with the suffix तृच् (tṛc), which denotes the agent or doer. It literally translates to “the one who sees,” the “Observer,” or the “Seer.” Because it sits in the genitive singular case within the sutra, it translates precisely to “of the Seer.”
Similarly, the word स्वरूपे (svarūpe) refers to the nature of one’s own self. Since it appears in the locative case here, it translates to “in the nature of one’s own.” In this true nature of one’s own, one is established (अवस्थानम्)
Yoga guru T. Krishnamacharya explains this द्रष्टृ as that which both perceives and aids in perception. This is the exact same द्रष्टा (Drashta) that Osho often spoke about. We have the capacity to witness life’s events always, but we often cannot take a step back because of mind-identification. Hence Osho’s bold stance that liberation (freedom from the ego) can happen RIGHT NOW if you want it deeply.
I also feel, from a purely empirical perspective, this observing entity is where our true individuality actually lies. Our physical body exists in the material realm and is constantly subject to change. The witness consciousness, however, remains pure. This purity is our natural state, and this verse conveys that yoga is simply the path to realizing this unmuddled state.
While this third verse helps us understand exactly what happens when the mind is stilled, Patanjali explains what happens when the mind is not stilled in the very next verse.
Comments