"Yoga is the cessation of movements in the consciousness."
Explanation: This foundational sutra defines yoga as the process of calming the fluctuations and patterns of consciousness. The goal of yoga is to still the mind, enabling a state of pure awareness or self-realization.
"Then the seer abides in his own nature."
Explanation: When the mind is clear of disturbances, the individual's true self (the observer) can remain in its true essence without being distorted by the perceptions of the mind.
"Otherwise, he is of the same form as the modifications."
Explanation: If the mind is not controlled, the individual identifies with the mental fluctuations and perceives reality based on these modifications rather than as it truly is.
"There are five kinds of modifications of the mind, which are either afflictive or non-afflictive."
Explanation: The mind can be altered by five types of changes: correct knowledge, incorrect knowledge, imagination, sleep, and memory. These can either cause suffering or be neutral.
"These modifications are correct knowledge, misconception, imagination, sleep, and memory."
Explanation: This sutra categorizes the types of thought patterns that can modify one's mental state, impacting how one perceives and interacts with the world.
"The sources of correct knowledge are direct perception, inference, and scriptural testimony."
Explanation: Correct knowledge can be obtained through three means: direct observation, logical deduction, and reliable sources (such as sacred texts).
"Misconception occurs when knowledge of something is not based on its true form."
Explanation: Misconceptions arise when perceptions are not aligned with reality, often leading to errors in understanding and judgment.
"An image that arises on hearing mere words without any reality (as its basis) is verbal delusion."
Explanation: This refers to the mind's ability to create false realities based solely on words or concepts that have no actual basis in reality, leading to misunderstandings.
"Sleep is the modification of the mind which is supported by the cause of nothingness."
Explanation: Sleep is considered a mental modification characterized by the absence of active thought processes, a state of unconsciousness.
"Memory is the retention of experiences."
Explanation: Memory involves retaining and recalling past experiences, which is another form of mental modification that shapes one’s consciousness and behavior.
"These modifications are restrained by practice and non-attachment."
Explanation: The fluctuations of the mind can be controlled through persistent practice (abhyasa) and detachment (vairagya), leading to stability and clarity in the pursuit of self-realization.