Muni's PlayYoga aims to avert future suffering (Duhkha) (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.16) by resolving the junction (Saṃyoga) between the Seer and the Seen (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.17). The Seen (Dṛśya) is composed of the three Gunas and exists solely for the Seer’s experience and liberation (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.18). The Seer (Draṣṭā) is pure consciousness that perceives through the cognitive coloring of the intellect (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.20).
The junction allows the realization of the nature of both the Seer and the Seen (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.23), yet its root cause is ignorance (Avidya) (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.24). Removing this ignorance dissolves the junction, leading to the absolute independence of the Seer, known as Kaivalya (Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.25).
Key Terminology (Sutras 2.16–2.25)
| Term | Sanskrit | Meaning in Context | Reference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heyam | हेयम् | Future misery to be avoided | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.16 |
| Draṣṭā | द्रष्टृ | The Seer (Self / Purusha) | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.17, Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.20 |
| Dṛśya | दृश्य | The Seen (Nature / Prakriti) | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.17, Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.18 |
| Saṃyoga | संयोग | Junction / False identification | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.17, Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.23 |
| Drṣyasyātma | दृश्यस्यात्मा | The nature of the Seen (is for the Seer) | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.21 |
| Bhoga | भोग | Experience (for the Seer) | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.18 |
| Apavarga | अपवर्ग | Liberation / Release | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.18 |
| Avidyā | अविद्या | Ignorance (cause of junction) | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.24 |
| Hāna | हानम् | Removal of the junction | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.25 |
| Kaivalya | कैवल्यम् | Absolute Independence | Patanjali Yoga Sutra 2.25 |
See also: