yogasutra 1.14 - ashtangamarga.com

Samadhi Pada • sutra 14

स तु दीर्घकाल नैरन्तर्य सत्काराअदराअसेवितो दृढभूमिः ॥१.१४॥ sa tu dīrghakāla nairantarya satkāra-āsevito dṛḍhabhūmiḥ ॥1.14॥
This (the practice – abhyāsa), cultivated over a long period (dīrghakāla), without interruptions (nairantarya), and with devotion (satkāra), becomes firmly established (dṛḍhabhūmiḥ).

Word by Word Translation

स (sa) – this, it, that
तु (tu) – indeed, but, instead, in fact, however
दीर्घकाल (dīrghakāla) – long period of time; composed of dīrgha (long) and kāla (time)
नैरन्तर्य (nairantarya) – without interruptions, continuity, without anything in between
सत्कार (satkāra) – devotion, respect, attention; composed of sat (good, true) and kāra (action)
आसेवित (āsevita) – cultivated, pursued, practised; past passive participle of āsevate (to frequent, to practise)
दृढभूमिः (dṛḍhabhūmiḥ) – firmly rooted, solid base, stable foundation; composed of dṛḍha (stable, firm) and bhūmi (base, ground)

Commentary
In this sutra, Patanjali underlines the three essential qualities that yoga practice must have to be stable (dṛḍhabhūmi) and bring benefits. These three requirements are:

1. Duration over time (dīrghakāla)
The ultimate goal of yoga is samadhi, a truly elevated goal. It is unrealistic to expect to achieve it in just a few months or years. The path requires the constant commitment of an entire life, or even multiple lifetimes, as the Bhagavad Gita reminds us. In verse 6.45 of the chapter dedicated to Dhyāna Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation), it is stated:

“With the merits accumulated over many past lives, when these yogis make sincere efforts to progress further, they purify themselves from material desires and attain perfection in this very life.“

This passage highlights how yoga is a path that transcends the boundaries of a single existence. Only constant commitment over time allows the mind to progressively transform, gaining stability and preparing for samadhi. If this is the life in which the yogi will attain perfection, then the result is also due to the steps taken in previous lives.

2. Continuity (nairantarya)
An interrupted practice loses its momentum, and the accumulated benefits risk to fade away. Like a plant that, if not watered regularly, loses vitality and suffers, an interrupted yoga practice does not allow progress to be maintained and can compromise results. Continuity does not imply rigidity, but rather the regular return to practice, even during difficult or stagnant moments. This process teaches resilience and the importance of embracing every phase of the journey, without immediate expectations.

One of my philosophy teachers in Rishikesh used to remind us that many of his students would say they had been practicing yoga ‘on and off’ for a few years. His comment was: “If it’s on and off, it can’t be yoga.“

3. Respectful Dedication (satkāra)
Respectful dedication involves an attitude of reverence towards the practice and its teachings. It is not merely about performing asanas or meditating mechanically, but about doing so with care, attention, and devotion.
Some might frown and think this is excessive, but it is about us being the first to recognise the importance of our practice. When we approach it with an open heart and respect for the process, the practice becomes more than a physical or mental activity: it becomes a sacred ritual. This attitude fuels our motivation and creates a solid emotional and spiritual foundation on which to build.

Having the correct attitude benefits our mind. There are places and ways suited to different things, not for the sake of rigid etiquette, but for the better enjoyment of those places, ways, and people. This is why the asana practice of Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga begins and ends with a specific mantra, to enter a sacred space, conducive to our journey.

These three requirements not only apply to the practice of yoga, but also represent guiding principles for any personal growth journey. In daily life, the sutra invites us to reflect on how conscious and consistent actions over time can lead to deep and lasting transformations. It also emphasises that spiritual progress does not come from exceptional and isolated efforts, but from small steps taken with dedication along the entire path of life.

Daily Mindfulness Bites
Choose an activity to practice every day, such as asanas, meditation, or even a brief mindful breathing exercise. Or transform a daily gesture, such as drinking tea or walking, into a mindful practice. Ask yourself: “Am I ready to dedicate time to this practice, even on the busiest days?”

Throughout the day, observe your attitude when facing difficulties or obstacles in your practice. Do you feel frustrated or demotivated if results don’t come immediately? Instead, try to remember that practice (abhyāsa) requires time and patience.

Before going to bed, reflect on your day. Briefly note how you feel and your commitment. Celebrate every small step taken with dedication: mental stability grows over time through daily practice.

Insights Behind the Words – Did You Know…?

Grammatical Curiosities: The word dīrghakāla is composed of dīrgha (long) and kāla (time). Together, the term describes an extended time, but not limited to a concrete measure. It is interesting to note that the root dīrgha also conveys a sense of depth and stability, suggesting that duration is not only quantitative but also qualitative.

Nairantarya (na + antara): The negative particle “na” combines with “antara” (meaning “interval” or “pause”) through a grammatical derivation process. This occurs with the addition of the suffix -ya, which gives an abstract or qualitative meaning to the term, transforming it into ‘absence of interruption’ or ‘continuity.’ The root antara undergoes a phonetic modification in the process, where the ‘a’ contracts to ‘i’, resulting in the form nairantarya. This term suggests that continuity is defined not so much by the frequency of actions, but by the absence of interruptions that break the intention or discipline.

Reflection on Continuity: When practice is continuous over a long period of time, it is inevitable to experience highs and lows. A clear example is the practice of asanas in Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga. Cultivated consistently over the years, one discovers that there are not only periods of progression, but also phases of regression: an asana might feel easy one day and become inaccessible two days later.

The practice of yoga, like the Buddhist path or any journey of personal growth, embraces and integrates the highs and lows of experience. Every day of practice, even if brief or imperfect, adds to the overall path, contributing to inner stability and depth.
Every single moment of dedication can be compared to a brushstroke on a work of art. While enlightenment or mastery may take countless lifetimes, every moment of commitment holds a unique and irreplaceable value.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Samadhi Pada • sutra 14

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