Yoga Sūtra Chapter One verse 4
वृत्तिसारूप्यमितरत्र ॥४॥
vṛtti-sārūpyam-itaratra ||4||
At other times conformity with the fluctuations.
vṛtti - fluctuation; modification; turning; set in motion, course of action, behaviour, movement; activity, function; profession, mode of life or conduct, course of action, behavioursārūpya - conformity with, sameness or similarity of form, identity of appearance, resemblance, likenessitaratra - at other times, on the other handCommentaries and Reflections
Commentary by T Krishnamacharya:
“What is the nature of distraction?”
“Working together with and directed by past impressions,
the three Guṇa, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas determine
whether the mind is calm, agitated or dull.”
“Past impressions also determine the
mind’s direction and quality of perception.”
“Sages say that the fruits of this vine are three
wisdom, wealth and joy.
Those free of desire pick wisdom
Those full of desire pick money
Those full of devotion pick the fruit of joy.
These are what the world is seeking
whether rushing forth or keeping still
But once you know the essence
of this triple bearing vine
There is no need to choose among its flavours.
Bhīṣma said Yoga’s lord is Kṛṣṇa,
beloved of all the gods
Patañjali said hold back your mind to silence the din
Nāthamuni, too, said follow the Yoga path
away from sickness, ignorance and fear.
I remember the friend of Yogavallī – Nārāyaṇa
four armed friend with bow, sword, club, discus and conch.”
Commentary by TKV Desikachar:
“In Sūtra Three and Four the mind is operating.
In Sūtra Three the mind is the means.
In Sūtra Four the mind is the means and the boss.”
“Whatever perceives is always right,
it is the mind that colours what we see.”
“Yoga presumes for most people that mind is the same,
always planning ahead or basing itself on what has happened.”
“If there is not a strong link to that which is inside,
the stronger force becomes the outside,
and we are pulled by and to that.”
“When the mind is not very clear,
you only get the message from the mind.”
Commentary by Paul Harvey:
“At all other times we identify with
the fluctuations within the mind.”
“The less we act from within the field of the present moment,
the more we re-act from within the field of past memories.”
“The mind modifies perception.
Though you might even say that,
the mind muddifies perception.”
“Every step towards observing the play of the mind,
is a step towards observing the ploy of the mind.”
“In Sūtra 1.4 what are the fluctuations that
we personally most often conform to?”