Verse 4.14
परिणामैकत्वात् वस्तुतत्त्वम् ॥१४॥
pariṇāma-ekatvāt-vastu-tattvam ||14||
The unity in things is from the unity in changes.
As there is a harmonious mutation between sattva, rajas and tamas (prakasa, kriya and sthiti) , both in nature and in the individual self, so there are differences in the way we see objects. According to the predominating gunas in one's intelligence, an object is perceived differently although its essence remains the same.
The yogi penetrates the harmonious combination of nature with its gunas, understands clearly their mutations, and keeps aloof from them. This study helps him to remain in the essence of his object of contemplation which is not bound by time or by the qualities of nature.
This object is the unchangeable
seer, or the soul. The seer is not bound by time, whereas mind is.
This sutra is a good guide for us. In our practice of Asana and pranayamaya we are the subjects, the performers. The different asanas and pranamaya are the objects which we try to perceive and conceive clearly, so as to understand their principles and essence.
Due to our accumulated desires and impressions, our ways of thinking, seeing and feeling change. If we learn to observe carefully, and memorize the basic principles of every posture and every breathing practice, we will be able to grasp their true essence.
Truth is One, and we must experience it in its real essence, without distinctions. If it seems to vary, that is because our intelligence and perception vary, and this prevents us from seeing the essential truth. If intelligence and consciousness are filtered and refined, both subject and object retain and reflect their real essence.
When Patanjali's says that dualities disappear when Asanas are performed perfectly , he is telling us that the essence of an object does not vary: subject and object merge into one, so distinctions between them do not arise.
Similarly in pranayama, the veil that covers the intelligence is lifted, and subject and object reveal their true essence. This conclusion applies equally to the essence of all other objects.
PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS
