Yoga Sūtra 2.19 begins to delve into the finer points of Sāṅkhya philosophy, which, as Jeff admits, isn't his favorite topic. Sāṅkhya, meaning "enumeration" or "counting," can feel highly analytical, almost as if it was designed for those with an engineering mindset who enjoy the intricate details of how reality is categorized. The next few sutras go deep into this theoretical framework, and while we might not explore every nuance, we'll aim to simplify the key concepts.
viśeṣāviśeṣa-liṅga-mātrāliṅgāni guṇa-parvāṇi
"The stages of transformation of the guṇas are: the specific (gross elements), the non-specific (subtle elements), the indicator-only (buddhi), and the unmanifest (prakṛti)."
Patañjali describes four stages of prakṛti (nature) that unfold in increasing levels of subtlety. First is viśeṣa, the gross, tangible objects we interact with in daily life—earth, water, fire, air, and space. Then there is aviśeṣa, the subtler elements that give rise to perception—the tanmātras, or the essence of sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell. Moving deeper, we arrive at liṅga-mātra, which refers to buddhi, the faculty of intelligence and discernment. Finally, there is aliṅga, prakṛti in its purest, unmanifested state, before differentiation occurs.
The three guṇas—sattva (clarity, wisdom), rajas (activity, movement), and tamas (inertia, darkness)—are constantly in motion, shaping everything we perceive. They drive prakṛti’s transformation from the most subtle to the most tangible. Sattva governs clarity and wisdom, making it most present in buddhi. Rajas fuels movement and change, dominating the transformation of subtle and gross elements. Tamas brings inertia, showing up in our attachment to form and the material world.
Swami Satchidananda provides a useful commentary on this, explaining that Patañjali analyzes these four stages, ultimately culminating in the gross object stage. He gives the example of perceiving a flower. While we can see the flower, we can only sense its fragrance rather than "see" it directly. This illustrates the increasingly subtle levels of perception, moving from the gross to the intangible.
Recognizing these levels helps refine our awareness. By cultivating mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and prāṇāyāma, we develop a more subtle perception of our own true nature—tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe avasthānam (Yoga Sūtra 1.3). We begin to see that we are not just the body, the mind, or even our emotions. There is something deeper, beyond the constant flux of the guṇas.
This weekend, take a moment to notice where you are identifying. Are you caught in the material world of viśeṣa? Are you aware of the subtler forces influencing your perception? Can you access your buddhi, the discerning intelligence that brings clarity? As you go about your weekend, use your energy wisely, whether that means bringing light and awareness into your actions, harnessing movement and activity in a balanced way, or allowing yourself deep rest when needed. And finally, be the light. Peace out.