Sutra (Thread) or Lesson 26: Sa Purvesam Api Guruh Kalenanavacchedat
Sah: He | Purvesam: of the ancients | Api: even | Guruh: teacher | Kalena: by time | Anavacchedat: unconditioned, uncut from.
According to Merriam Webster dictionary, the word teach, which is a transitive verb–meaning that it is something that is done to something or to someone–is defined in the following ways:
Sutra (Thread) or Lesson 25: Tatra Niratisayam Sarvajnabijam
Tatra: there [in Isvara] | Niratisayam: unsurpasses manirfestion, above the highest | Sarvajna: omniscience | Bijam: seed
The reality of our creation on an existential level is nothing short of magnificent, and the fact that our species can tap into the knowledge of this reality is remarkable in every way.
At this present time in history, homo sapiens now know, through readily available information, the origin of our entire existence through our understanding of the Big Bang. We understand now more than ever how our species evolved. We are learning more each day about the workings of our minds through the study of neuroscience and psychology. And we are mapping patterns of behavior that provide insight into the workings of our societies/cultures and relationships through our studies in sociology, anthropology, and through our data-backed research that keeps growing more and more each day.
Our complex bodies and brains, and the complexity of life itself are nothing short of miraculous, and the fact that we are “blessed” with a consciousness that allows us to understand ourselves and the world is not something that we should ever take lightly.
Sutra (Thread) or Lesson 24: Klesa Karma Vipakasayairaparamrstah Purusavisesa Isvarah
Klesa: afflictions | Karma: actions | Asayaih: storehouse of impressions left by desires | Aparamrstah: unaffected by | Purusa: self, soul | Visesah: distinction | Isvarah: supreme God
Isvara, the pure self, Patanjali writes, is not affected by worldly things, nor is it affected by life itself.
Neither great suffering, one’s actions, the outcome of one’s actions, nor any thoughts, memories, nor past experiences can alter, distort, impact, or touch, the pure self.
Isvara (what Patanjali calls your true self) connected to/undistinguished from the source of your full “I-am” presence, is pure, and unchanging.
Your true self cannot suffer, nor can it be corrupted by desire nor past expressions or states of being.
Isvara cannot be improved upon, nor diminished by actions or (as a) result of one’s actions. And nothing can override the pure self. Not even past impressions of false self-expressions in the form of ego-overidentification and articulation can alter the truth of this pure, untroubled presence.
Isvara, therefore, is your truest and purest expression, and is naturally in a state of eternal peace that cannot be disturbed, wounded, scarred, or valuated by, or in, the world.
