Book 1, Sutra 15: The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali
Vairāgya (Non-Attachment)
Non-attachment, detachment or dispassion occurs when we overcome desire (raga) and dwesha (aversion). Another more accurate term to describe this state of vairagya is thirstlessness.
This sutra is informed by the symbol of water – we find ourselves in the material world and navigating our desire or astral natures on the astral plane – both these have water as their symbol. Humanity is represented by the fish. The fish is also a symbol of the Vishnu aspect, or Christ principle (inner teacher or Soul), also known as the second aspect of divinity.
To understand the second aspect of divinity we use a table to outline the three aspects in relation to one another:
| Aspect | Esoteric Role | Christian Parallel | Expression in Humanity |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Aspect | Will, Power, Purpose, Light | The Father | Spirit |
| 2nd Aspect | Love-Wisdom, Consciousness, Unity | The Son or Christ | Soul |
| 3rd Aspect | Active Intelligence, Activity, Form, Power | The Holy Spirit | Body (or form nature) |
It is important that we cultivate this detachment towards objects, ideas, opinions, but ultimately we attain the true thirstlessness towards concepts such as Heaven or rebirth. Rebirth is linked to our desire nature just as we may desire objects of wealth on the physical plane so too do we desire to be reborn in the ‘three worlds’ of physical, emotional and mental learning.
References
Patañjali, & Bailey, A. (2013). The light of the soul : its science and effect : a paraphrase of the Yoga sutras of Patañjali. London.
Bryant, E. F. (2015). The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali. North Point Press.
Iyengar, S. (2012). Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali. HarperCollins UK.
Paramhansa Yogananda. (2013). Demystifying Patanjali: The Yoga Sutras. Crystal Clarity Publishers.
Satyananda Saraswati, Swami. (2013). Four chapters on freedom : commentary on yoga sutras of Sage Patanjali. Yoga Publications Trust.
Sounds True. Second Initial. Michael Singer 2024-2025 The Michael Singer Podcast [Audio podcast]. Website. https://resources.soundstrue.com/michael-singer-podcast/