3.50 · Even This, Let Go

By non-attachment even to that, as the seeds of fault wear away, comes liberation.

Word by word

tad-vairāgyāt

from non-attachment to that

api

even

doṣa-bīja

the seeds of fault

kṣaye

when worn away

kaivalyam

aloneness, liberation

Where it fits

The turn from power to freedom. Non-attachment even to the sovereignty of 3.49 lets the seeds of fault wear away, and liberation follows. Vyāsa says the yogi sees that even discernment belongs to the mind, which is to be left behind (p. 284). This is the highest non-attachment of 1.16.

Reading

This is the turning point. Non-attachment even to the sovereignty and knowledge of 3.49 wears away the last seeds of fault, and liberation follows. Vyāsa says the yogin sees that even discernment is a movement of the mind, and belongs with what is to be left. The seeds of the afflictions, like burnt rice, can no longer sprout, and they go to rest with the mind. This is the highest letting go of 1.16, and kaivalya returns in 3.55 and 4.34.

Vyāsa

“'This idea of discernment is a property of sattva, and sattva belongs among the things to be given up.' … The seeds of the afflictions, like burnt rice seeds that can no longer sprout, go to rest along with the mind.”

Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 284.

Practice

Choose one good thing you hold on to: being the helpful one, a practice you are proud of, a view you are right about. For one day, keep doing it but don't claim it. Notice what is left when the claim is gone.

A question to sit with

What good thing are you still holding on to?

Key ideas

vairāgya (non-attachment), kaivalya (liberation, aloneness), kleśa (afflictions), viveka (discernment)