ततः क्षीयते प्रकाशावरणम् || 2.52 ||
tataḥ kṣīyate prakāśāvaraṇam || 2.52 ||
Translation: Then [as a result of prāṇāyāma], the veil of the inner light is destroyed
The veil can be removed by observing Pranayama
The jīva is an aṁśa(tiny part) of God and so it inherits the qualities of God, although not of the same quantity and quality. God is light (jyotiṣāmapi jyotiḥ) and so the jīva is also full of brightness. But, unfortunately, we are not able to realize this fact since the light is covered by the veil of māyā. But the veil can be removed by the grace of God through spiritual practices and, according to Sage Patañjali, the veil can be removed by the observance of prāṇāyāma.
Prāṇāyāma removes the block created by karma
Man is capable of attaining true knowledge which is the most brilliant light one can think of. But the light is blocked by the darkness of ignorance created by the latent impressions of the successive births, i.e. one’s karma. By the performance of prāṇāyāma, one’s spiritual power can be developed to attain the power to remove the block created by karma. Once the block is removed, the light of knowledge shines forth in all its brightness. How should one proceed in this spiritual venture?
Manusmriti says
Three suppressions of the breath even, performed according to the rule, and accompanied with the (recitation of the) Vyāhṛtis and of the syllable Oṁ, one must know to be the highest (form of) austerity for every Brāhmaṇa.
Yajnavalkya Smriti
While commenting on the present sūtra, Vyāsa quotes from Yājñavalkya smṛti,
tapo na paraṁ prāṇāyāmāt tato viśuddhirmalānāṁ dīptiśca jñānasyeti (1.34)
“There is no other penance higher than the prāṇāyāma; it purifies one from all impurities; the brilliance of knowledge is manifested thereby.”
Oprah Winfrey suggests that every moment of breath must be enjoyed. “Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.”
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Patanjali Yog Sutra [English]- 03.10.2024
