3.44 · As Cows Follow Calves

Saṃyama on the gross form, essence, subtle form, connection and purpose of the elements gives mastery of the elements.

Word by word

sthūla

gross, visible form

svarūpa

essential nature

sūkṣma

subtle form

anvaya

connection, inherence

arthavattva

purpose

saṃyamāt

from saṃyama

bhūta-jayaḥ

mastery of the elements

Where it fits

Now saṃyama goes to the roots of the seen, which 2.18 says is made of elements and senses. Each element is known in five aspects, from its gross form to its purpose; saṃyama on all five masters the elements. Vyāsa says they then follow the yogi's will as cows follow their calves (p. 274).

Reading

Each of the five elements, earth, water, fire, air and space, can be known in five layers. Vyāsa sets them out: the visible form; the essential nature, such as earth's solidity, water's liquidity, fire's heat; the subtle element behind it; its connection with the three guṇas, sattva, rajas and tamas (lightness, activity, inertia); and its purpose, which is experience and freedom. Saṃyama on all five gives mastery of the elements, and then, Vyāsa says, they follow the yogin's will as cows follow their own calves.

Vyāsa

“Now, through saṃyama on these five elements, each in its five forms, one comes to see the true nature of each form, and to master it. … From that mastery, the natures of the elements follow the yogi's will, as cows follow their calves.”

Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 274.

Practice

Take a cup of water and look at it five ways, a minute each: what you see and feel; its wetness; what it is made of; how it keeps changing; and what it is for in your life today. Drink it slowly at the end.

A question to sit with

What would you see if you looked at one thing in five ways?

Key ideas

prakṛti (nature, the seen), guṇa (strands of nature), saṃyama (holding together), siddhi (powers)