Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras - Chapter I, verse 47 - Autumn Light

Interpretive Translation by Joseph Le Page:

Upon gaining natural lucidity in meditative absorption beyond reflective thought (nirvichara samadhi), the higher Self naturally awakens, like the shimmering luminosity of Autumn light.

Note: The word ‘vaisharada’ used in this verse to mean clearness of mind or natural lucidity, literally means autumnal brightness, which serves as the inspiration for this commentary.

Commentary by Joseph Le Page – Autumn Light

Each year, I walk that ever new yet timeless trail down to the edge of the sunlit lake, where every tree, being and newly colored leaf is bathed in autumn’s golden rays.

And each year I gaze onto the surface of the lake, hoping to catch a glimpse, to see some trace, in the clarity of those golden rays, a reflection of my own true face.

And each year there are changes in the clarity I find, depending on the wind and weather in my mind, sometimes still clouded by doubt and fear, but gradually becoming clear and bright in the growing presence of autumn light.

And when that calm blue surface is furrowed by the nervous winds of worry, I rest my gaze onto the deep still center of the lake, and allow some time for the waves of wind-whipped mind to slowly fade away.

And when my gaze lifts beyond the horizon of the lake, into the future’s endless maze, I soften my breath and rest my sight on the ever-perfect present moment, bathed in autumn light.

And when clouds of sadness roll across, reminders of life’s deep lake of loss, I watch and wait for the dark shadows to abate, as white clouds of wisdom sail again over the vast blue stillness of the lake.

Sometimes, I go there just to rest my mind, to close my eyes and journey inside, to bathe in the stillness beyond time, and then return to life revitalized in the luminous glow of autumn light.

And sometimes, I simply sit in awe at the almost unberable beauty of the autumn glow, painting a landscape of earth, lake and sky with the precious gold leaf of autumn light.

And in the grace of those golden rays, I offer thanks for each new day, a precious gift of Divine delight wrapped in the glory of autumn light.

And each year that autumn brilliance grows, a reflection of my own awakening soul, the seeds of wisdom germinating deep inside, grow and burst the banks of the everyday mind, and the One Self shines forth clear and bright in the mystery of autumn light.

Now, that autumn aura guides each step, in ever present companionship, a golden cocoon of Divine embrace guiding me to reunion with my own true face.

And this year, a fresh breeze of freedom blows through my mind as I walk arm in arm with the Divine; with nothing left to loose, fear or fight, I gaze into the lake with crystal clear sight, to find no face at all, only Autumn Light.