Beneath all the distractions and the endless noise of our thoughts is the heart of who we truly are. Patanjali’s third Yoga Sutra invites us to peel back these layers, uncovering the shining gem of our real selves—a stillness, a purity, a radiant essence that never changes. This sutra acts as a beacon, lighting the way to self-realization and inner peace. In simple terms, Sutra 1.3 says: when the mind stops its endless chatter, you can finally see your true self!
What Does Yoga Sutra 1.3 Mean?
In Sanskrit, this sutra is written as “Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam.” The most widely known translation, by Sri Swami Satchidananda, reads: “Then the seer (the self) abides in its own true nature.” This sutra describes the moment when a yogi, through meditation, quiets the mind’s constant movement. In that stillness, pure awareness arises.
Discovering our true selves isn’t simple. It means breaking free from distractions and mental chaos. We have to release the false identities our egos cling to—those illusions that fog our vision and keep us from seeing clearly.
Translation of Yoga Sutra 1.3
Sanskrit: तदा द्रष्टुः स्वरूपेऽवस्थानम्॥३॥
Transliteration: Tadā draṣṭuḥ svarūpe’vasthānam
Word-by-word breakdown:
- tadā = then, or only after (this state comes once mental fluctuations stop).
- draṣṭuḥ = the true self, the soul, the seer—pure consciousness that observes without changing.
- sva = own
- rūpe = form, nature
- avasthānam = rests, abides
Other Well-Known Translations
- “Then The Seer Abides In Itself” — Hariharananda Aranya
- “Then the Seer is established in his own essential nature.” — I. K. Taimni
- “When thought ceases, the spirit stands in its true identity as observer to the world.” — Barbara Miller
- “At that time (the time of concentration) the seer (Purusha) rests in his own (unmodified) state.” — Swami Vivekananda
- “When that is accomplished, the seer abides in its own true nature.” — Edwin Bryant
The Journey to Self-Realizatio
The path laid out in Yoga Sutra 1.3 calls for deep dedication—through meditation, self-inquiry, devotion, and letting go. It’s not easy, because the mind’s fluctuations (vrittis) are deeply rooted habits. These shifts—thoughts, emotions, sensory experiences—tie us to a narrow sense of self, shaped by outside circumstances and others’ opinions.
When we connect with the drashtuh—the inner “seer”—we touch our true nature. In this state of witness consciousness, we start to separate fleeting thoughts and emotions from the eternal core of our being. It’s like calming stormy waters; as the waves settle, clarity appears. In that stillness, the real Self shines through—pure awareness, untouched by the mind’s distortions.
The Power of Self-Inquiry
Jnana yoga is the path of spiritual wisdom, and at its heart is atma-vichara (self-inquiry). This practice asks deep questions: “Who am I?”, “Am I just my body or mind?”, “Are my thoughts really me?” These reflections build viveka (discernment), helping us tell apart the eternal Self from the ego’s illusions.
Through persistent self-inquiry, layers of false identity—shaped by past experiences, social roles, and cultural conditioning—begin to fade. As Ramana Maharshi taught, tracing the source of the “I”-thought dissolves it into pure awareness. Instead of getting lost in ever-changing thoughts, we become the steady witness—unchanged by life’s ups and downs.
The Art of Letting Go
Attachments—to possessions, relationships, desires, or outcomes—cloud our vision and chain us to the ego. Vairagya (detachment) is key to quieting the mind. When we release these bonds, we stop defining ourselves by externals or clinging to passing experiences.
Attachments often trap us in cycles of craving and disappointment. Vairagya isn’t about rejecting life; it’s about living with freedom—fully present, balanced, and undisturbed by change.
The Path of Devotio
Bhakti yoga is the practice of surrendering the ego to something greater—whether a deity, the universe, or pure love. Deep devotion dissolves the illusion of separation. Chanting, prayer, and other devotional acts nurture humility, connection, and trust, softening the ego’s grip and steadying the mind.
Selfless Action (Karma Yoga
Karma yoga means acting without attachment to results. When we serve selflessly, the thoughts of “I” and “mine” lose their power. Each time we act without selfish motives, we step beyond the ego and closer to our true nature.
Meditation: Cultivating Stillness
Meditation is one of the strongest tools to calm the mind’s vrittis. By focusing on the breath or a mantra, we slow the mental noise. Over time, this practice sharpens awareness of our thought patterns. As the mind settles, we shift from being lost in thoughts to resting as the observer—the true Self.
The Gifts of Self-Realization
When the mind’s chaos fades and pure awareness dawns, life transforms. Realizing your True Self isn’t just philosophical—it reshapes how you see the world, relate to others, and experience joy.
- Inner Peace – A quiet mind brings unshakable calm. Challenges feel lighter when you know you’re more than passing thoughts.
- Emotional Strength – Seeing emotions as temporary, not “you,” fosters wiser responses. Instead of reacting, you act from clarity.
- Sharper Focus – A still mind boosts creativity, decision-making, and problem-solving. Insights arise effortlessly.
- Deeper Connections – As the ego fades, compassion grows. Relationships thrive when free from neediness or conflict.
- Authentic Living – Aligning with your true self brings integrity. You live by inner truth, not others’ expectations.
- Spiritual Growth – Self-realization deepens wisdom, making higher states of consciousness accessible.
Final Thoughts
When the true Self rests in its natural stillness, everything changes. Sutra 1.3 reminds us that self-realization isn’t a distant goal—it’s returning to what we’ve always been: pure, boundless awareness. By shedding layers of thought, habit, and external influence, we step into the light of our true nature.
Through meditation, breathwork, and mindful reflection, each of us can embark on this journey—transcending the mind’s noise to discover the stillness within.
References
For deeper study, explore these translations of the Yoga Sutras:
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Sri Swami Satchidananda
- The Yoga Sutras of Patañjali — Edwin F. Bryant
- The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — Alistair Shearer
- Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali — B. K. S. Iyengar