4.32 · Their Work Done

Then the guṇas, their purpose fulfilled, complete their sequence of transformations.

Word by word

tataḥ

then

kṛta-arthānām

of those whose purpose is fulfilled

pariṇāma-krama

the sequence of transformations

samāptiḥ

completion

guṇānām

of the guṇas

Where it fits

Vyāsa: when the cloud of dharma arises, the guṇas have done their work, providing experience and freedom (2.18), and their sequence of transformations ends. They cannot linger even a moment. Vyāsa then asks 'What is this sequence?', which 4.33 answers.

Reading

The guṇas, the strands of nature, have worked all along for the seer, for experience and for freedom (2.18). When both are complete, their sequence of change comes to an end. Vyāsa says they cannot stay on 'for even a moment'. One might picture this with the dancer of the Sāṃkhya Kārikā (verse 59), who stops once she has been seen. Nothing is forced out or defeated. The story of change simply reaches its last page.

Vyāsa

“When that cloud of dharma arises, the guṇas have fulfilled their purpose, and their sequence of transformations comes to an end. Once they have brought about experience and freedom and completed their sequence, they cannot stay on for even a moment.”

Vyāsa's Yoga-bhāṣya, the oldest commentary. New translation from the Sanskrit, with reference to Woods (1914), p. 343.

Practice

Choose one thing you finished long ago but still carry: an old argument, a project, a role. Say quietly, 'This has done its work.' Notice what in you wants to keep it going, and let it rest.

A question to sit with

What is ending on its own, without your help?

Key ideas

guṇa (strands of nature), prakṛti (nature, the seen), kaivalya (liberation, aloneness)