179. Shabda-artha-jnana... a rose by any other name?

Seeking the wisdom of Patanjali, continuing through the first chapter of the Yoga Sutras, the Samadhi Pada, which focuses on contemplation. As we near the end of this profound chapter, we look closely at Yoga Sutra 1:42 and its teachings.

Sanskrit:
1:42 – tattra shabda-artha-jnana-vikalpaih sankirna savitarka samapattih
Translation: "When the memory is mixed with word, meaning, and knowledge, the state is called savitarka samapatti (deliberative absorption)."

In this sutra, Patanjali introduces us to the concept of savitarka samapatti, a stage of meditative absorption. Here, the mind engages with an object through several layers:

• Shabda (शब्द): the word, name, or sound associated with the object.

• Artha (अर्थ): the object’s form or physical presence.

• Jnana (ज्ञान): the knowledge or meaning we assign to it, shaped by personal experience and understanding.

• Vikalpa (विकल्प): the assumptions, imaginations, or conceptualizations that immediately arise and mix with our understanding.

Patanjali emphasizes that these layers often overlap, creating a mixture of direct experience and preconceived notions. To illustrate, consider a rose. Upon encountering it, we may think of the word "rose," associate its form with memories, and assign meaning such as beauty or romance. At the same time, our assumptions (such as "this rose is part of a bouquet, so it must signify love") colour our perception.

This sutra teaches us that wisdom begins when we can be absorbed in the word, form, and knowledge without letting assumptions or imaginations distort our understanding. By bringing awareness to this process, we can begin to disentangle ourselves from automatic judgments and move closer to pure perception.

Savitarka samapatti is not the end but a starting point on the journey of concentration and self-mastery. As we progress in meditation, the goal is to quiet these mental layers further, ultimately allowing the object’s essence to reveal itself without interference. Through this practice, we cultivate true clarity and insight—essential steps toward inner stillness and the deeper states of samadhi.