Yoga Sutra 3.35 | Hṛdaye cittasaṁvit

Yoga Sutra 3.35 in Context

Sanskrit Text:

हृदय े चित्तसंवित्।
(Hṛdaye cittasaṁvit.)

Literal Translation:

“By Samyama on the heart (hṛdaya), knowledge of the workings of the mind (citta-saṁvit) is gained.”

In Yoga Sutra 3.35, Patanjali explains the connection between the heart and the mind and how focused meditation on the heart center leads to profound understanding of the mind’s nature and activities. This sutra highlights the interplay between emotional and mental awareness, offering a pathway to deeper self-knowledge.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• The Heart as a Seat of Consciousness:
  In yogic philosophy, the heart (hṛdaya) is regarded as more than a physical organ—it is a spiritual center, symbolizing emotional intelligence and inner wisdom. Ancient commentators like Vyasa describe this practice as unlocking the layers of the mind through the purity and clarity of the heart.
• Understanding the Mind (Citta):
  Meditation on the heart provides insight into the workings of the citta—the mind or consciousness—which encompasses thoughts, emotions, and memories. This understanding helps the practitioner transcend mental distractions and achieve a state of inner balance.
• Universal Themes of Connection Between Heart and Mind:
  Many spiritual traditions emphasize the link between the heart and mind. For instance, Sufism teaches that the heart is the gateway to divine truth, while Buddhist practices often focus on cultivating compassion as a means to understand the nature of the mind.

Guidelines for Students

• Practicing Samyama on the Heart Center:
  Students are encouraged to focus their meditation on the heart region, observing its sensations and energy. This practice deepens self-awareness and facilitates understanding of the mind’s nature.
• Cultivating Emotional and Mental Harmony:
  Through meditation on the heart, students can explore the relationship between their emotions and thoughts, developing greater balance and integration.
• Embracing the Journey of Self-Knowledge:
  This sutra invites students to approach their inner exploration with humility and openness, recognizing the heart as a source of wisdom and clarity.

Insights and Strategies for Teachers

• Explaining the Significance of the Heart Center:
  Help students understand the heart as a spiritual and emotional focal point, offering insights into the deeper aspects of consciousness. Use relatable analogies to explain its role in connecting the mind and emotions.
• Guiding Meditation on Emotional Awareness:
  Lead students in meditative practices focused on the heart, encouraging them to observe and reflect on the interplay between feelings and thoughts. Techniques such as breath awareness or visualization can enhance their experience.
• Inspiring the Pursuit of Inner Wisdom:
  Share teachings that emphasize the importance of self-knowledge and harmony between the heart and mind. Swami Sivananda remarked,

“Meditate upon the heart, for it is the seat of wisdom and the path to the soul.“

Philosophical and Practical Takeaways

• Yoga Sutra 3.35 emphasizes the transformative power of meditative focus on the heart to gain profound understanding of the mind. This practice nurtures self-awareness and facilitates emotional and mental harmony.
• For students, this sutra provides a pathway to explore their connection with both their emotional and mental selves, cultivating inner balance and clarity. For teachers, it highlights the importance of guiding students toward harmony between heart and mind in their practice.
• As Swami Krishnananda stated, “Through the heart, the yogi perceives the truth of the mind and the essence of the soul.“

Yoga Sutra 3.35 invites practitioners to deepen their connection with their inner world, using their insights to harmonize emotions, thoughts, and actions.

Whether you’re looking to dive deeper into the Yoga Sutras, The Vedas, Upanishads or would like to explore our blog, we have a wealth of information available for you! Better yet, join us in the Vallarta Breeze Yoga Puerto Vallarta Yoga studio, or practice with us online! we’re excited to continue this journey with you. See you on the mat!

Schedule