4.15 Objects exist independent of being perceived

4.15 The object remains consistent regardless of being observed by different minds or by one mind in different states. In other words, the object exists independently of individual perception.

This group of sutras offers arguments to counteract other philosophical positions active at the time that the Yoga Sutra was compiled. This is part of a tradition of debate as a healthy exchange of ideas to clarify one’s own perspective and understanding of the world. This sutra states that rather than the world being created by perception, the world is real, it exists even when it is not being perceived. Since different people can all perceive the same object and compare their perceptions, the object must exist. Of course, each person’s perception will be influenced by that person’s ways of being.

How do your ways of being influence your perception?
Are there some aspects of your life that remain constant?
Are there some aspects of you that remain constant?
More importantly, as you deepen in the exploration of this sutra consider, what is real in your life?
How many stories are you willing to believe?
To what extent are your stories real?
Do your stories enable you to experience your presence?
Or are your stories ways to move away from being present?
Are your thoughts, intentions, actions, and interactions charged by your conscious and deliberate presence?
Is your commitment to participating in your life real?
How are you putting your commitment into concrete actions?

As usual, one more way of exploring the meaning of this sutra is by chanting it.
You can choose to chant it in its traditional form with some of the words coming together:

4.15 vastusāmye cittabhedāttayorvibhaktaḥ panthāḥ
वस्तुसाम्ये चित्तभेदात्तयोर्विभक्तः पन्थाः ॥१५॥

Another option is to chant each word in the sutra individually:

• vastu
• sāmye
• citta
• bhedāt
• tayoḥ
• vibhaktaḥ
• panthāḥ

If you prefer, you may listen to the podcast:

This is an excerpt from the book Unravel the thread: Applying the ancient wisdom of yoga to live a happy life

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