Sūtra 1.12

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of Sūtra 1.12:

अभ्यासवैराग्याभ्यां तन्निरोधः ॥ १.१२ ॥

abhyāsavairāgyābhyāṃ tannirodhaḥ || 1.12 ||

12. The suppression of these (functions is effected) by Exercise and Dispassion.

The Rajamartanda commentary by King Bhoja:

[English translation of the 11th century commentary by Bhoja called the Rājamārtaṇḍa]

[Sanskrit text for commentary available]

Having thus described the functions (of the thinking principle), in order to explain the suppression (the fourth word in A. II,) of these with the means thereof, he says:

[Read Sūtra 1.12]

“Exercise” (abhyāsa) and Dispassion” (vairāgya) will be defined in the aphorisms about to be given. The repression by these (Exercise and Dispassion) of the functions of the thinking principle which have the form of revealing, energizing and regulating, is “suppression” (nirodha). What is meant is the placing of the functions, which from their turning inwards have ceased to dwell on external objects, in the thinking principle, which is their original cause, and of which they are but potential attributes.

Aversion from sensuous objects is produced by “Dispassion” resulting from a knowledge of the evil influence of those objects (on the thinking principle), and confirmed steadfastness is acquired by “Exercise,” which makes it a source of happiness and quiet; and by the (conjoined effect of the) two the functions of the thinking principle are suppressed.

Notes and Extracts

[Notes and comparative extracts from other commentaries on the Yogasūtra]

[The purport of this aphorism has been given by Kapila in six aphorisms, 31 to 36 of Book III.]

With a view to describe Exercise, he says: