4.28 · Seeds Past Sprouting

They are removed in the same way as the afflictions.

Word by word

hānam

removal, giving up

eṣām

of these

kleśavat

like the afflictions

uktam

has been described

Where it fits

The leftover impressions of 4.27 are removed as the afflictions are (2.10–2.11). Vyāsa: like seed burned by the fire of knowledge, they no longer produce thoughts. The impressions of knowledge itself are not counted here; they last until the mind's work is done. 4.29 names the absorption in which the gaps close.

Reading

No new method is needed for the leftovers of 4.27: the remedy for the afflictions (2.10–2.11) is carried through to the end. Vyāsa uses the image of burnt seed: afflictions burnt like seed cannot sprout, and an impression whose seed has been burnt by the fire of knowledge gives rise to no thoughts at all. One way to read this today: before that point, we may notice old reactions appearing but going nowhere, and take it as a sign the seed is drying. That is a modern observation, not Vyāsa's claim.

Vyāsa

“Afflictions that have become like burnt seed cannot sprout. In the same way, an earlier latent impression whose seed has been burnt by the fire of knowledge no longer gives birth to thoughts.”

Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 340.

Practice

Recall an old reaction that used to grip you and now barely does. Notice that it still appears sometimes, a familiar shape, but goes nowhere. Acknowledge the practice that brought this about, and keep doing it.

A question to sit with

Which old reactions still appear but no longer grow?

Key ideas

saṃskāra (latent impressions), kleśa (afflictions), viveka (discernment)