Book 2, Sutra 36: Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras

“When truthfulness has been established,
the fruits of actions
become dependent on the yogi.”

Some translator/commentators feel that this sutra affirms that the words of a yogi established in truthfulness (“satya”) always come true. Some commentators feel that this sutra affirms that the actions of a truthful yogi always work out. But, like the last sutra, I feel Patanjali is explaining how others are changed or are benefited by the yogi who has perfected the Yamas and Niyamas. In this case, such a yogi has influence on the results of actions that are performed around him or her. In other words, in the presence of a yogi perfected in truthfulness, actions performed in his or her presence depend on his or her goodwill or support in order for them to bear fruit. That seems to satisfy both the inclusion of the Sanskrit, “kriya,” (action) and “asrayatvam” (dependency) in this sutra. Bryant states the common interpretation of this sutra comes from the ancient commentators and so it is just accepted. It is true that the Mahabharata gives examples of how the words of those established in truthfulness come true on their own. But Patanjali’s Sanskrit here do not fit that explanation. If we change Patanjali’s word choice to fit what we consider to be traditional truth then we are implying that Patanjali was careless with his words. We have already seen how Patanjali was very precise with his choice of words so there is no evidence to start questioning that now.