S Sridharan was until recently the Managing Trustee, Krishnamacharya Yoga Mandiram, Chennai. During his long association with KYM, he had the privilege of learning the nuances of Yoga Sastra directly under Yogi TKV Desikachar. Sridharan is now an expert Yogi and a Yogic teacher. In this series on Yogasutra, Yogi S Sridharan elucidates every aspect of YOGA

The other part in the Samyoga is called Drsyam, which means (i) that which is seen and (ii) that will helps in seeing/perceiving. Yoga Sutra has adopted the system of evolution of the Universe from Samkhya Philosophy, which is presented below:

From the above it can be seen that Drsyam is Prkriti (matter). It can also be seen that the human system and the nature outside us, environment, is made up of the same substance, in different combinations, of course.

What is the nature and characteristics of the Drsyam?

• It undergoes change constantly and therefore called “parinaami”
• It has a beginning and therefore an end.
• It is a combination of the gunas
• It consists of Bhutas (elements) which are five in number

Yoga Sutra gives the above in its sutra 2.18 “prakasa kriya sthiti silam bhutendriyatmakam bhoga apvargartham drsyam”

The purpose of drsyam is to serve the drastr (Perceiver) (i) to experience and enjoy the Universe and (ii) to go inward to find the Perceiver’s true nature.

(more to come)