- The mind coloured by the Knower (i.e., the Purusa) and the Known is
all-apprehending.
This Sutra apparently sums up what has been said about the modus operandi of
mental perception in the previous Sutras. Its real importance will, however, be seen
only if we understand the significance of the phrase Sarvartham. The mind, in order to
know any object, has to be affected in two ways. Firstly, it must be modified or col-
oured, at least to some extent, by the object which is to be known, and secondly, it
must be simultaneously illuminated by the consciousness of the Purusa which is eter-
nally present in the ultimate background. Modified in this double manner the mind is
capable of knowing everything in the phenomenal world, using the word ‘knowing’ in
its most comprehensive sense. The significance of the word Sarvartham which means
literally ‘all-including’ or ‘all-apprehending’ lies in the fact that the word Citta does
not stand merely for the medium through which the human intellect finds expression.
It stands definitely for the all-inclusive medium through which phenomena of every
kind, right from the physical to the Atmic plane, are perceived. Even the thinnest veil
of ‘matter’ which on the Atmic plane obscures the consciousness of the Purusa and
involves him in manifestation is associated with the finest grade of mind. Citta is thus
co-extensive with Prakrti and both are transcended simultaneously when Purusa at-
tains Self-realization in Kaivalya.