4.27 · In the Gaps

In the gaps, other thoughts arise from impressions.

Word by word

tat-chidreṣu

in its gaps

pratyaya-antarāṇi

other thoughts

saṃskārebhyaḥ

from impressions

Where it fits

Even the discerning mind of 4.26 has gaps, and in them other thoughts arise: 'I am', 'mine', 'I know', 'I do not know'. Vyāsa traces them to earlier impressions whose seeds are dwindling. How these leftovers are removed is the question 4.28 answers.

Reading

Even a mind that leans toward liberation has gaps, and old thoughts arise in them. Vyāsa names them: 'I am', 'mine', 'I know', 'I do not know'. They come from earlier impressions, from seeds that are dwindling. This is a kind sūtra. Old patterns flickering up do not mean practice has failed. They are what is left over, and the next sūtra says how they are met.

Vyāsa

“A mind that bends toward telling thought [from the self] … still has, in its gaps, other thoughts: 'I am', or 'mine', or 'I know', or 'I do not know'. Where do they come from? From earlier latent impressions, whose seeds are dwindling.”

Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 339.

Practice

During a quiet task today, notice when 'I' or 'mine' slips into the gaps: my idea, my turn, I'm doing well. Don't push it out. Note it once, kindly, and go back to the task.

A question to sit with

What slips into the gaps when you stop paying attention?

Key ideas

saṃskāra (latent impressions), viveka (discernment), citta (the mind-field)