Yoga Sutra 2.20 teaches that the Seer (dṛṣṭā) is nothing but pure seeing. Although inherently pure, it appears to perceive the world through the modifications of the mind. This fundamental misperception causes suffering, as we confuse our thoughts, emotions, and experiences with our true nature. In Sāṅkhya philosophy, this Seer is Puruṣa—unchanging, pure consciousness—while everything it observes, including the mind and senses, belongs to Prakṛti, the material world. The process of yoga is to disentangle this confusion and recognize our true identity as the Seer rather than the seen.
This idea aligns with a powerful passage from the Gnostic Gospel of St. Thomas: "If you bring forth what is within you, what you bring forth will save you. If you do not bring forth what is within you, what you do not bring forth will destroy you." When we acknowledge and embody the presence of the Seer within us, we find clarity and liberation. However, if we remain unaware of this deeper aspect of ourselves, we become entangled in mental fluctuations and external circumstances, leading to unnecessary suffering.
A simple yet effective way to reconnect with this awareness is through the Observer Pause. When faced with stress or emotional turbulence, taking a deep breath, exhaling audibly, and consciously releasing tension in the jaw, shoulders, and mind creates space between the experience and the one who is experiencing it. This practice helps us detach from reactive mental patterns and access a state of pure witnessing.
As we bring this understanding into our relationships, we see how easily interactions with others trigger conditioned responses. Yoga Sutra 2.20 offers a shift in perspective, encouraging us to pause and respond from the depth of Puruṣa rather than reacting impulsively from past conditioning. By applying this wisdom, we cultivate a presence that is grounded in clarity, self-awareness, and authenticity.
With consistent practice, we begin to recognize that we are not our fleeting emotions, thoughts, or circumstances. Instead, we are the silent, observing awareness that remains unchanged beneath it all. By bringing forth this Seer’s wisdom in our daily lives, we move with greater ease, inner peace, and a deeper sense of truth.