Samadhi Pada • sutra 7
| प्रत्यक्षानुमानाअगमाः प्रमाणानि ॥१.७॥ pratyakṣa-anumāna-āgamāḥ pramāṇāni ॥1.7॥ |
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| Direct perception, inference, and testimony are the sources of valid knowledge. |
| Commentary This sutra outlines the three reliable sources of knowledge according to Patañjali. In other words, we can claim to “know” something only if our knowledge of that something originates from: Direct perception (pratyakṣa): a form of knowledge based on sensory perception. For example, when I see the phone in my hand, hear the voice of someone speaking to me, or enjoy the taste of my favourite dish. Logical inference (anumāna): the ability to deduce information that is not immediately observable. Inference arises from the intellect as a result of reasoning based on prior knowledge. A classic example, common in Buddhist debate, is: “There is fire on the mountain because there is smoke on the mountain. Authoritative testimony (āgama): that which is learned from a reliable source, such as traditional sacred texts, references to ancient scriptures, or a person who is an authority in the field and whose word can be trusted. An example I always like to mention in this context is one’s own date of birth: we were present at our birth, but we certainly cannot remember it. The most reliable source to refer to in order to know when we were born is the authoritative testimony of our own mother. In the context of yoga, this teaching invites us to develop a dynamic balance between personal experience, logical reasoning, and spiritual guidance. According to the Yoga Sutras, the practice of yoga is not limited to a subjective experience but requires the practitioner to cultivate discernment (viveka) and critical thinking. Through pratyakṣa, we learn to trust our direct perceptions, while remaining aware of the limitations of the senses. Through anumāna, we strengthen our ability to analyse and deduce, developing insights that go beyond what appears to be evident. Finally, with āgama, we acknowledge the importance of established tradition and the words of authentic teachers, while also verifying and integrating these teachings into our personal experience. This triple path teaches us to avoid two opposing extremes: on one hand, blind credulity, which can lead us to accept information without critical examination; and on the other, indiscriminate rejection, which isolates us from valuable knowledge or ancient wisdom. Ultimately, this sutra reminds us that yoga is a discipline that requires mental openness, intellectual curiosity, and deep trust in what emerges from practice and the dialogue between mind, heart, and tradition.  Daily Actionable | Mindful MomentsToday, try to reflect on how you acquire information and form opinions. Ask yourself: “Where does this knowledge come from? Did I perceive it directly? Did I deduce it logically? Or was it transmitted to me by a reliable source?” Throughout the day, try to identify situations in which you rely on one of these three sources: Direct perception: Notice the moments when you rely on your senses, for example, observing your surroundings, listening to sounds, or sensing physical sensations. Logical inference: Pay attention to when you draw conclusions based on indirect signals, such as understanding that it is about to rain by observing dark clouds. Authoritative testimony: Reflect on the times when you rely on the teachings of a trusted person or on what you have read in authoritative texts. To make this exercise more concrete, you can choose a specific event from your day, such as a work meeting or a family moment, and analyze which of these sources of knowledge you relied on. The idea is to observe without judgment, with curiosity and openness. This practice will help you develop greater clarity and discernment, encouraging you to verify information and create a balance between personal experience, logical reasoning, and trust in reliable sources. |
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