Sutra 24
Lack of spiritual understanding is the cause of the false identification of the seer with the seen.
In Iyengar’s commentary, he restates the importance for us to understand that the mingling of nature (the seen, our flesh selves) and the soul ( Holy Spirit, God) can either lead to emancipation and union with God or can stop our progress all together as we focus on OUR desires and emotions.
It is very important that we understand God’s word, to live by the Bible. God has given us this great book to explain his relationship with us. He does not focus on who we are but explains who he is in relation to us and how we can be in his grace. It is important for us all to remember that our spiritual understanding (avidya) comes from God rewarding our will, our intention to follow his law and live by his word. In order to do that it is important to study the Bible and his law daily. For God gives us knowledge. Here are three examples of the importance of knowing and following God’s word.
“He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” Luke 24:45
“But He turned and said to Peter, ‘Get behind Me, Satan! You are an offense to Me, for you are not mindful of the things of God, but the things of men.'” Matthew 16:23
“Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it did not fall, for it was founded on the rock.
“But everyone who hears these sayings of Mine, and does not do them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand: and the rain descended, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell. And great was its fall. ” Matthew 7:24-27
I think that Sutra 24 and the Bible agree. When we focus on the desires of man and not the desires of God, we remain shackled to the earth. However, when we focus on God’s word and gain spiritual understanding, we progress away from sin and towards God.
