tatah thence tad those impressions, their tendencies, potentialities vipaka ripening, fruition anugunanam correspondingly, accordingly eva only abhivyaktih manifestation vasananam of desires, of tendencies These three types of actions leave impressions which become manifest when conditions are favourable and ripe. Of the four kinds of action, the first three leave behind potential residues, which are accumulated as impressions in the memory. Memories generate desires, and the results of desires in turn grow to be memories. They move together and form dormant impressions, which, according to their maturity, either manifest immediately or remain dormant; to appear unexpectedly later in this life or in future lives. Desire is the propelling force, which stimulates the body and mind and strives for satiation. Desires and their fulfilment bind consciousness to the threefold actions. Desire and memory compel the mind to act for their gratification, determining one's future class of birth, span of life, and the kinds of experiences to be undergone. If the impressions are good, they create situations favourable to spiritual life. Unfavourable impressions bind one to lust, anger, greed, infatuation, pride and envy, creating perturbations in the consciousness. But even then, if one turns one's consciousness towards the seer by sincerely and deferentially following the eightfold path of yogic discipline, one's actions will no longer be of the threefold type, but of the fourth, which do not give rise to desire for fruits or rewards. This is the literal meaning of 'Yogah karmasu kausalam', 'skill of yogic action'. |