Introduction
In the philosophy of Maharshi Patanjali, time is not considered an illusion but a real and perpetual existence. According to the Yoga Sutras, the past and future are genuine realities that give rise to the present. Every object in creation possesses definite characteristics, and time carries these qualities from the past into the present and onward into the future. From this perspective, no substance ever truly ceases to exist. It continues to remain in existence by virtue of its inherent qualities, which cannot be completely destroyed.
This profound view of time emphasizes that existence is continuous and cyclical. The present moment is not isolated but is shaped by the past and simultaneously gives rise to the future. Thus, time is a dynamic flow, binding all three phases—past, present, and future—into an eternal relationship.
Time as Real Existence
Patanjali Teaching Challenges the notion that time is merely a mental construct. Instead, he asserts that time is real because it governs the transformation of objects and experiences. Every substance carries qualities that persist across time. For example, a seed contains the potential of a tree, and even when the seed ceases to exist in its original form, its qualities manifest in the tree.
In this way, time ensures continuity. The past does not vanish; it lives on through impressions and qualities that shape the present. Similarly, the future is not yet born but already exists in potential form, waiting for the right conditions to manifest.
Factor of Existence
The three phases of time—past, present, and future—are perpetual and interconnected. They rely on inherent energies that comprise both subtle and gross material nature. Every substance in creation is composed of the three gunas:
- Sattva: purity, clarity, and harmony.
- Rajas: activity, passion, and movement.
- Tamas: inertia, darkness, and resistance.
These gunas are eternal and form the root cause of all creation. They are the fundamental building blocks of existence, shaping the qualities of every object and being.
Until these causes are dissolved, the destruction of any substance is impossible. Even when a form disappears, its qualities remain embedded in the fabric of nature. This explains why substances can be re-created, as the gunas carry the potential for manifestation across time.
Continuity of Creation
From Patanjali Perspective, the cycle of existence is unbroken. The past influences the present, and the present shapes the future. This continuity ensures that nothing is ever truly lost. Instead, transformation occurs as qualities shift and manifest in new forms.
For yogis, this understanding of time is crucial. It reveals that liberation (moksha) is not about escaping time but about transcending its binding influence. By realizing the eternal nature of the gunas and the continuity of existence, the yogi learns to detach from the fluctuations of time and abide in pure consciousness.
Conclusion
The teaching that the past and future existhighlights Patanjali’s profound vision of time and reality. Time is not an illusion but a real force that carries qualities across the phases of existence. Substances never truly cease to exist because their inherent characteristics remain eternal, rooted in the gunas of sattva, rajas, and tamas.
This perspective emphasizes the continuity of creation and the perpetual relationship between past, present, and future. For the yogi, understanding this truth is essential for transcending the limitations of time and realizing the eternal nature of consciousness.