yogasutra 1.10 - ashtangamarga.com

Samadhi Pada • sutra 10

अभावप्रत्ययालम्बना वृत्तिर्निद्रा॥१.१०॥ abhāva-pratyaya-ālambanā vṛttir-nidrā ॥1.10॥
The fluctuation of deep sleep is based on the absence of mental content (cognition).

Word by Word Translation

अभाव (abhāva) – absence, non-existence, lack
प्रत्यय (pratyaya) – mental content, concept, cognition, impressions, perception, awareness, cause, seed
आलम्बना (ālambanā) – base, support, foundation, dependence
वृत्तिर् (vṛttir) – fluctuation of the mind, mental modification. Nominative singular of वृत्ति (vṛtti)
निद्रा (nidrā) – deep sleep, sleep, state of non-perception

Commentary
Sleep (nidrā), according to Patañjali, is a mental fluctuation (vṛtti) based on the absence of conscious activity (abhāva-pratyaya-ālambanā). It is not merely an “empty” but a state in which the mind is suspended in a condition of non-perception. When we sleep, the mind is not simply “switched off” but enters a specific state, characterised by the absence of sensory perceptions and the temporary cessation of conscious processes.

From a yogic perspective, sleep is not just a moment of rest for the mind and body, but a process that profoundly influences our mental and physical balance. Regular and deep rest can support the yoga practice, enhancing mental clarity and emotional stability, while disturbed sleep can create disharmony.

This sutra invites us to observe sleep with greater awareness, not just as part of our daily routine, but also as an opportunity to advance in our yogic journey. The practice of yoga nidra shows how sleep can become a tool for reaching deep meditative states: in this conscious relaxation, the mind remains alert while the body rests, transforming sleep into a moment of introspection and regeneration.

Reflecting on sleep as vṛtti encourages us to observe our mental states at every stage of the day. Life itself is practice: it’s not just about waiting for the moment to place our feet on the mat, but about cultivating awareness in every moment, even during sleep.

Daily Actionable | Mindful Moments
Today, bring awareness to the moment of sleep. Before going to bed, take a few minutes to observe your body and mind. Feel the weight of the day and release any tension. Breathe deeply, allowing each exhalation to melt away physical and mental stress.

When you prepare to fall asleep, be aware of how you feel: are you calm, restless, relaxed? Acknowledge these sensations without judging them, accepting them as part of your present state. Instead of “waiting” for sleep to come, try to let it be a natural process of letting go, like a continuation of your practice, the transition from wakefulness to sleep. What happens to your mind? Can you sense the moments when your thoughts begin to dissolve?

Sleep can be an essential part of your practice. Embrace this transition with full awareness, allowing sleep to become a tool for rest and renewal for both body and mind.

Insights Behind the Words – Did You Know…?

Grammatical Curiosity: The word abhāva is formed by combining the negative prefix “a-” with bhāva (being, existence). This linguistic detail reveals that nidrā represents a state in which there is no active “being,” emphasizing the absence of conscious activity.

Alternative Versions: It is possible to find versions of this sutra that add the term “tamo” as follows:

अभावप्रत्ययाअलम्बना तमोवृत्तिर्निद्र ॥१.१०॥
abhāva-pratyaya-ālambanā tamo-vṛttir-nidrā (1.10)

tamo = inertia, darkness, obscurity, passivity, ignorance, heaviness. This quality represents a state of torpor, heaviness, and lack of clarity or movement.

“The mental fluctuation (vṛtti) that is sustained by the absence of perception (abhāva) and dominated by darkness (tamas) is sleep (nidrā).”

In some commentaries, nidra (sleep) is described as a state dominated by the tamas guna (one of the three gunas, or qualities of nature, in yoga philosophy), which is associated with darkness, ignorance, and inertia. This aligns with the interpretation of sleep being a state of mental obscurity or lack of awareness.

Modern Application: Today, sleep is a central topic for well-being, especially in a world where technology invades every moment of our lives. Smartphone, tablet, and computer screens emit blue light, which inhibits the production of melatonin, the hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. The use of electronic devices before sleep has been linked to difficulty falling asleep, fragmented sleep, and a reduced ability to recover physically and mentally. This disruption of the circadian rhythm can affect our mood, productivity, and even general health.

Sleep is also a key regulator of other hormones. For example, poor or insufficient sleep leads to an increase in ghrelin (which stimulates appetite) and a decrease in leptin (which signals fullness). This hormonal imbalance can lead to insatiable cravings for calorie-rich foods and, over time, a higher risk of obesity.

To protect and improve the quality of sleep, it’s important to adopt healthy habits. Try turning off all electronic devices at least an hour before going to bed: your mind and body will benefit from it. Spend that time reading, meditating, or doing deep breathing exercises to relax. Avoid caffeine, sugar, and heavy meals in the evening. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can transform the way you wake up: more rested, energized, and ready to face the day.

Patanjali's Yoga Sutras

Samadhi Pada • sutra 10

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