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The Yoga Sūtras of Patañjali

2.33

Original Text

vitarka-bādhane pratipakṣa-bhāvanam

Translation

When troubled by harmful thoughts, cultivate their opposites.

Terms

vitarka (troubling thoughts)
pratipaksha bhavana (cultivating the opposite)

Background

This sūtra introduces the powerful practice of pratipakṣa bhāvanam, often translated as "cultivating the opposite." It offers a practical, psychological method for dealing with negative or unwholesome mental patterns, especially those that conflict with the yamas and niyamas.