The Goal of Non-Dual Yoga

A Different Approach

[Lotus Flower]
Figure 50: Lotus Rising Above the Mud

Yoga is the practical portion of Sāṃkhya.  Dual Yoga (Dvaita Yoga) is defined by the Yoga Sūtras. 1  While Non-dual Yoga (Advaita Yoga) is defined by the Advaita Yoga Sūtras 2 as found in The Art of Non-Dual Yoga 3.  Their practice (sādhana) is similar, but they have different goals (sādhyas).  The main difference being their approach to “vṛttis,” 4 which are “thoughts” or more widely, “modifications.”

The goal of Dvaita Yoga is “cessation of the thoughts of the mind-field” (citta vṛtti nirodha). 5  Then the seer (draṣṭṛ) is abiding (avasthāna) in its true nature (svarūpa). 6  Otherwise, there is conformity (sārūpya) with thoughts. 7  This approach implies that the seer is bound (baddha).  Moreover, it fails to differentiate between different types of thoughts.  Therefore, it asks us to stop thinking altogether.

On the other hand, the goal of Advaita Yoga is “cessation of afflicted modifications” (kliṣṭa vṛtti nirodha). 8  Then the seen (dṛśya) is united (saṃyukta) with the seer. 9  Otherwise, there is suffering (duḥkha) due to the afflictions (kleṣas). 10  This approach implies that the seen is bound.  Moreover, it specifically targets afflicted modifications (kliṣṭa vṛttis); the afflictions being the real problem. 11

To review, the afflictions are fourfold.  Ignorance is the wrong view (asamyagdṛṣṭi), which is unequal vision (viṣamadṛṣṭi) of the seen 12.  It’s the field (kṣetra) of the subsequent afflictions (uttara kleśas). 13 14  Egoism is the false nature (asvarūpa) of the seen. 15  Attachment and aversion are the thrill (mada) of the seen. 16  Inertia is the binding (bandha) of the seen. 17

Types of Modifications

[Types of Modifications]
Figure 51: Afflicted and Unafflicted Modifications

Modifications are twelvefold (dvādaśataya) and either unafflicted or afflicted (akliṣṭa or kliṣṭa). 18  Afflicted modifications (kliṣṭa vṛttis) are unlawful and inauspicious (adhārma and pāpa); unafflicted modifications (akliṣṭa vṛttis) are lawful and auspicious (dhārma and puṇya). 19  The co-arising of suffering (samudaya of duḥkha) is afflicted modifications; the co-arising of happiness (sukha) is unafflicted modfications. 20  Without restraint and without observance (ayama and aniyama), modifications become afflicted during the arc of rebirth (bhāvasarpiṇī). 21

Unafflicted modifications attain reabsorption (pralaya) after the arc of rebirth; afflicted modifications remain accumulated (saṃcita) in their abodes (āśayas). 22  These abodes are mind, emotion, and physics (sattva, rajas, and tamas). 23  They’re afflicted by egotism (asmitā), attachment and aversion (rāgadveṣa), and inertia (abhiniveśa), respectively.  Accumulated modifications are undertaken again (punar prārabdha) after the arc of law (dhārmasarpiṇī). 24  That suffering yet to come (duḥkha anāgata) is to be avoided through practice (heya through sādhana). 25

References

  1. Patañjali. Yoga Sūtras.
  2. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras.
  3. Vyās, S. K. (2020). The Art of Non-Dual Yoga: A Simple Guide to the Royal Path.
  4. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 6.7.
  5. Patañjali. Yoga Sūtras 1.2.
  6. Patañjali. Yoga Sūtras 1.3.
  7. Patañjali. Yoga Sūtras 1.4.
  8. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.2.
  9. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.3.
  10. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.4.
  11. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 1.2.
  12. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.5.
  13. Patañjali. Yoga Sūtras 2.3.
  14. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.6.
  15. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.7.
  16. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.8.
  17. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.9.
  18. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.10.
  19. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.11.
  20. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.12.
  21. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.13.
  22. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.14.
  23. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Sāṃkhya Sūtras 4.18.
  24. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.15.
  25. Vyās, S. K. Advaita Yoga Sūtras 1.16.