Sa Tu Dirgha-Kala-Nairantarya (Yoga Sutra 1.14) — Word-by-Word Meaning
स तु दीर्घकालनैरन्तर्यसत्कारासेवितो दृढभूमिः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
सः
sah
That (practice — abhyasa, from the previous sutra)
तु
tu
But, and, indeed (emphatic)
दीर्घकाल
dirgha-kala
For a long time, a long duration
नैरन्तर्य
nairantarya
Without interruption, continuously, uninterruptedly
सत्कार
satkara
With devotion, reverence, earnestness and right attitude
आसेवितः
asevitah
Well attended to, properly cultivated, sincerely practiced
दृढभूमिः
dridha-bhumih
Firmly grounded, of firm foundation, well established
सः तु दृढभूमिः
sah tu dridha-bhumih
That practice becomes firmly rooted
Complete Translation
That practice becomes firmly grounded when it is cultivated for a long time, without interruption, and with earnest devotion and reverence.
Origin & History
Source: Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1.14
Author: Patanjali
Period: Classical (c. 2nd century BCE – 4th century CE)
This aphorism appears in the Samadhi Pada of Maharshi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, following the introduction of abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (dispassion) as the means to still the mind. Here Patanjali specifies what makes practice take firm root — long, continuous and devoted application. It remains one of the most beloved and practical teachings for every seeker on the discipline of sadhana.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the meaning of Yoga Sutra 1.14?▼
It means 'That practice becomes firmly grounded when cultivated for a long time, without interruption, and with earnest devotion.' Patanjali gives the three conditions — dirgha-kala (long time), nairantarya (continuity) and satkara (reverence) — that make spiritual practice unshakable.
What are the three conditions for firm practice?▼
Long duration (dirgha-kala), uninterrupted continuity (nairantarya), and earnest, reverent devotion (satkara). When abhyasa is cultivated with all three, it becomes dridha-bhumi — firmly established and unshakable.
What is 'abhyasa' that this sutra refers to?▼
Abhyasa is defined two sutras earlier (1.13) as the sustained effort to remain steady and still in the mind. Together with vairagya (dispassion, 1.12), it is one of the two pillars by which the fluctuations of the mind are stilled.
Why does practice need to be 'without interruption'?▼
Continuity prevents the mind from slipping back into old patterns. Just as a small but steady stream wears away stone, uninterrupted daily practice gradually deepens the groove of stillness until it becomes firmly grounded in the mind.
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