1.50 · The New Channel

The impression born of it blocks other impressions.

Word by word

tat-jaḥ

born of that

saṃskāraḥ

impression, latent trace

anya-saṃskāra

other impressions

pratibandhī

blocking, obstructing

Where it fits

Vyāsa notes that once this wisdom is gained, a new impression arises again and again (Woods p. 96). Against the wheel of 1.5, where movements and impressions feed each other, this impression blocks the others and, Vyāsa says, ends the mind's work instead of adding to it (Woods p. 97). 1.51 stills even this.

Reading

Every experience leaves an impression that inclines the mind to repeat it. The impression left by truth-bearing insight is different: it blocks the others. Vyāsa says it holds back the impressions that pull the mind outward. Because it thins the afflictions, it gives the mind no new work; it helps the mind cease from its work. Here practice turns the mind's own habit-making toward liberation. Laid down again and again, the new impression slowly draws the current away from its old courses.

Vyāsa

“The latent impression born of the wisdom of absorption suppresses the store of impressions from the outward-turned mind. … These impressions made by wisdom do not give the mind a further task, because they wear away the afflictions. In fact they bring the mind to rest from its own work.”

Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 96–97.

Practice

Recall one moment of clear seeing you have known: patience, kindness, or simple presence. Return to it in memory three times today, for one minute each, letting it deepen a groove that can carry you next time.

A question to sit with

Which impression are you strengthening today?

Key ideas

saṃskāra (latent impressions), prajñā (wisdom), kleśa (afflictions)