Thoughts on the Yoga Sutras: 1.4

At other times, the seer identifies with the fluctuating consciousness.

BKS Iyengar uses the word uniting in his commentary. The seer identifies with the fluctuation of consciousness to such a degree that it unites with the objects seen or with consciousness or thought itself. So much so that the seer confuses prakriti (or matter) as the truth.

This sutra explains why the practices outlined in this text are so important - because if we do not move in the direction of the text, we are instead allowing, as BKS Iyengar states, for “objects to act as a provender for the grazing citta, which is attracted to them by its appetite.” It is for this reason why practice is defined later in the sutras as constant and over a long period of time, because it only takes moments for the citta to continue grazing

The above post is a self-unpacking of the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. I am not a professional historian, I am only sharing my thoughts on the topic. The Thoughts on the Yoga Sutras postings came about as preparation for a weekly study group that I attend at Karuna Center for Yoga and Healing Arts (www.karunayoga.com). Please feel free to share your thoughts and ideas in the comments section.