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ahiṁsā-satyāsteya-brahmacaryāparigrahā yamāḥ (अहिंसा सत्य अस्तेय ब्रह्मचर्य अपरिग्रह यमाः)
Yama consists of nonviolence, truthfulness, non-stealing, continence [non excess], and non-greed.
Translated - Swami Satchidananda
vitarka-bādhane pratiprakṣa-bhāvanam (वितर्कबाधने प्रतिपक्षभावनम्॥)
When disturbed by negative thoughts, opposite [positive] ones should be thought of. This is pratipakṣa bhāvana.
Translated - Swami Satchidananda
In this sutra, Patanjali introduces a practical technique to overcome negative thoughts. When we encounter such thoughts or emotions within ourselves, we tend to dwell on them, which can amplify their impact, leading to more suffering or perpetuating similar experiences and emotions. To break this cycle, Patanjali recommends "pratipaksha bhavana," which involves cultivating the opposite positive thoughts or changing perspectives. This means looking at situations, challenges, and experiences from different angles or viewpoints, stepping out of our habitual ways of seeing things, and considering alternative interpretations or possibilities. By doing so, we gain new insights, understanding, and empathy towards ourselves and others. Pratipaksha bhavana isn't about suppressing emotions but skillfully transforming them. It can be applied to negative self-perceptions as well, promoting self-compassion and confidence. The practice involves acknowledging negative thoughts without judgment and intentionally replacing them with positive ones. For example, if we feel anger towards someone, we shift our focus to thoughts of compassion for them, or depending on the momentum, get off the subject all together and focus on using the energy towards something higher, maybe helping someone else.
śauca-santoṣa-tapaḥ-svādhyāyeśvara-praṇidhānāni niyamāḥ (शौच-सन्तोष-तपः-स्वाध्यायेश्वर-प्रणिधानानि नियमाः॥३२॥)
Niyama consists of purity, contentment, accepting but not causing pain, study of spiritual books and worship of God [self-surrender].
Translated - Swami Satchidananda
jāti-deśa-kāla-samayānavacchinnāḥ sārva-bhaumā mahā-vratam (जाति-देश-काल-समयानवच्छिन्नाः सार्वभौमाः महाव्रतम्)
These great vows are universal, not limited by class, place, time, or circumstances.
Translated - Swami Satchidananda
vitarkā hiṁsādayaḥ kr̥ta-kāritānumoditā lobha-krodha-moha-pūrvakā mr̥dumadhyādhimātrā duḥkhājñānānanta-phalā iti pratiprakṣa-bhāvanam (वितर्का हिंसादयः कृतकारितानुमोदिता लोभक्रोधमोहपूर्वका मृदुमध्याधिमात्रा दुःखाज्ञानानन्तफला इति प्रतिप्रक्षभावनम्॥३४॥)
When negative thoughts or acts such as violence, etc. are done, caused to be done, or even approved of, whether incited by greed, anger, or infatuation, whether indulged in with mild, medium, or extreme intensity, they are based on ignorance and bring certain pain.
Translated - Swami Satchidananda
The sutra emphasises the importance of awareness of your thoughts, words and actions, countering negatives with their counterparts as a means to break free from the bondage of ignorance and its accompanying suffering. Ignorance refers to not seeing or understanding the true nature of reality. It is a fundamental ignorance or misperception that leads individuals to identify themselves with their thoughts, emotions, and the ever-changing aspects of existence, rather than recognising their true essence, which is unchanging and interconnected with all of life. This misunderstanding creates a constant cycle of suffering, as happiness and well-being become dependent on external circumstances. When we react negatively to situations, mildly with a thought or extremely with an act, we harm ourselves. We cause emotional distress, strain relationships, and hinder our flow. We disturb our inner peace, impair our decision-making, and reinforce unwanted patterns. The yoga sutras continue 2.35 with ahimsa below.