etayā accordingly; by the same token; in the same fashion; similarly eva only
savicārā = sa + vicārā (first case singular, feminine)
- sa with
- vicārā thinking; inner reflection; analysis; contemplation
Together, savicārā means “accompanied by thinking or self-reflection.”
nirvicārā = nir + vicārā (first case singular, feminine)
- nir without
- vicārā thinking; inner reflection; analysis; contemplation
Together, nirvicārā means “that which is beyond thinking, beyond analysis.”
ca and
sūkṣmaviṣayā = sūkṣma + viṣayā (first case singular, feminine)
- sūkṣma subtle
- viṣayā object
Together, sūkṣmaviṣayā means “that which has a subtle object as its focus.”
vyākhyātā to be described; has been described; can be described
Google translate: This is the subtle subject explained with and without thought
That explains how the intangible object can be experienced with and without discursive thought (proceeding by reasoning or argument)
vicāra keeps the citta occupied with the object, “anchored” on it.
Sustained thought (vicāra) is the act of keeping the mind anchored
discursiveness [vicara] is an exact investigation of the thing under consideration
What is discursiveness (vicara)? It is a mental addressing which is attentive to one thing at it time in the wake of intention or appreciative discrimination. It is an exact mental operation. It has the function of becoming the basis of happiness or unhappiness.
Etaya-Iva-Savichara –Nirvichara-Ca-Suksmavisaya-Vyakhyata
Etaya: by this
Iva: also
Savichara: accompanied by subtle thoughts
Nirvichara: devoid of subtle thoughts
Ca: and
Suksmavisaya: having subtle for their objects
Vyakhyata: are explained
The Engrossment , In Which There Is The Mixture Of Word, Its Meaning (i.e. The Object) And Its Knowledge, Is Known As Savitarka Samapati.
एतयैव सविचारा निर्विचारा च सूक्ष्मविषया व्याख्याता॥४४॥
etaya-iva savi-chaaraa nir-vichaaraa cha sukshma-vishayaa vyaakh-yaataa ॥44॥
Barbara Miller translates this aphorism as, ‘When the turnings of thought cease completely, even wisdom ceases, and contemplation bears no seeds.’ ‘Contemplation bears no seeds’ means that there is NO THING/nothing, in or at the end of meditation. Controlling personal thoughts, reactions and ruminations is achieved through a process of contemplation and meditation. Ultimately, through successive stages of thought, subtle thought, and no thought, and with no attachment to any of it (Sutra 1.15), one recognizes that this individual (you or I) is ‘not-self’, and the serene nothingness is actually the ‘true-self’ (Sutra 1.3) and it is Everything, and it is Forever!
etayaiva savicārā nirvicārā ca sūkṣmaviṣayā vyākhyātā || 1.44 ||
discursive = proceeding by reasoning or argument rather than intuition.
Sukshma = intangible The Supreme Soul, the subtle and invisible spirit that pervades all existence.
Patanjali's yoga sutras 
Leave a comment