“In Yoga freedom is in reality releasing the Citta,
from the illusion that, it is the release of the Cit
from the illusion that, it is that which is bound.
This illusion that it is the Cit that is bound,
blinds the Citta from looking at itself as a
source of the bondage. Within this illusion
there arises a consequent lack of insight into
the symptoms and cause of the confusion in
the reality of any relationship between the two.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Two verse 6

“Chapter Four verses 4 and 5 talk about the medium
and potential of the link both to and from Nimitta.
This link is through Asmitā, though the openness
and motive within the link determines its quality.
Asmitā is the common channel of communication.
However the quality of the link depends on how much
Asmitā is coloured by Kleśa, or uncoloured by Jñāna.
Thus, when Asmitā Kleśa dominates, the link and the
quality of the communication are potentially impaired.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 4-5

“The motive and state of mind of the teacher can
also vary and therefore produce varying results.
Thus the influence may or may not be for good,
depending on the person who is influencing and
the source of their powers; except in the case of Yoga,
because the actions of a Yogin are free of self–interest.
Thus, the motivation and intention of the teacher are
important in helping the student illuminate their Nimitta.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verses 5-6

“Every action, even thoughts have some effect at some level.
Actions create fruits and leave seeds which eventually come
back to the performer of the action, either directly or indirectly.
These actions can be black, white, mixed, or have no colour.
The black actions can potentially have a negative comeback;
whereas white actions can potentially have a positive comeback.
But most actions are mixed, with a vague or indistinct outcome,
or they will have a distinct outcome, but it is difficult to discern.
Those actions that are seen as having no colour are the result
of actions from the highest dispassion, free of self–motivation.
Because these actions from a Yogin are free of self–motivation,
they are free of self–interest, either black, white or mixed.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 7

“Even though Yoga talks about the possibility of
a state of being expressing motiveless action,
for the rest of us there is always an ulterior motive.
The issue is what it truly is, rather than just whether it
had what we believed as a white, grey or black intention.
Also, whether this intention is what we wanted to believe,
or is there another truth lurking within our sense of right?
Thus, the outcome may well differ from what we believed.
However, as many of our motives fall within the grey spectrum,
a deeper introspection into the reality of intention is important.
To at least minimise Viparyaya, existing as a flight of fancy, or
posing as if a truth convincing in its rightness to exist, when in
reality, merely an opinion, even if not its deeper partner Avidyā.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 7

“These verses develop another theme
around the influence of the past.
Sometimes our past is not relevant.
At other times the past gets in the way.
For others, seed memories continue to influence.
Why? Because any action done with motivation
will add influences which trigger other latencies;
Thus the Vāsana will roll round again and again.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 8

“We predominately act with
motivation of some kind,
and any motivation will have
some effect on the outcome.
Therefore our motivations have
to be as considered as possible.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 8

“Vāsana have no beginning, no end,
because behind them is the desire to
survive, to live, to possess and although,
at some fundamental level we are insecure,
the will to live gives motivation for our actions.”
– Paul Harvey on Yoga Sūtra Chapter Four verse 10

“The seeker of the Lord gets everything:
Wealth, Power or Knowledge.
What is most desirable?
To surrender without
any deviation or motivation.”
– TKV Desikachar on Gītārtha Saṃgraha of Śrī Yāmunācārya Śloka Twelve
(Yāmunācārya commentary on Bhagavad Gītā Chapter Eight)

“Some people use Yoga (or even training for a career as a Yoga Teacher),
to move away from something undesirable for, or in their lives (Abhāva).
Others use Yoga to move towards something desirable (Bhāva) for, or in their lives.
Either can be positive, however good to be clear about our motives,
especially if our relationship with that which we wanted to move away from,
or that which we wanted to move towards,
changes along the way.”
– 108 Teaching Path Pointers