The eleventh yoga sutra states about the necessity of impressions and desires, which must be removed, due to their dominating cause and effect relation. Avidya, or ignorance gives rise to pain and depression, which thereby produces a strong sense of yearning. And these gathered impressions in turn are responsible for birth cycles. However, if a sadhaka is successful in to keep these feelings in abeyance, the cycle can be stopped. When one perceives an earthly object, it creates a sense of desire, backed by motivation, which ties down the consciousness forever. If one practices yoga regularly with reverence, he can be liberated from the trap of worldly dichotomies.
hetu cause, motive, impulse
phala effect, fruit
asraya support, shelter, refuge, anything closely connected
alambanaih dependent upon, resting upon, assistance, help
sahgrhitatvat held together
esam of these
abhave in the absence of
tad of them, of these
abhavah disappearanc
Impressions and desires are bound together by their dependence upon cause and effect. In the absence of the latter, the former too ceases to function.
Lack of understanding - avidya, gives rise to suffering, which in turn create desires. This causes the cycle of rebirths. The accumulated impressions of memory are without beginning, but have a definite end, provided the individual becomes cultured and discerning. When the formation of desire is kept in suspension, the cycle of rebirths come to an end.
The sight of an object creates motivation, which acts as a springboard for desire. Desire nurtures motive, and motive ignites action aimed at fulfillment of the desire. This nourishes further desires, which then lodge permanently in the seat of the consciousness, binding the soul forever.
Through regular, deferential practice of yoga, and the use of discriminative intelligence, this web of object, motivation, desire and reward is made to fade away. Then the pairs of opposites - vice and virtue, pain and pleasure, aversion and attachment - gradually weaken and then disappear.
This brings sensitivity and refinement to the consciousness, which now averts desires and thoughts of reward, and directs its attention towards the exploration of the seer.
