Distracting influences do not bother, when one has finally achieved complete understanding of one’s true self.
Distracting influences do not bother a yogi, when he has finally understood the true self. The inevitable desires and diversions cannot be suppressed, for they will show up in a matter of time. This kind of understanding comes over time and with the correct understanding of the truth. The kind of detachment we are talking about is the supreme detachment. This is saying a definite NO to the world. This kind of renunciation is definitely not for everyone. That is why this is called para vairāgyam. This cannot be faked, and can only be followed by those who see the greater truth in following this path.
I came across a similar explanation in Gandhi’s My experiments with truth. Gandhi’s struggle with brahmacarya is a difficult one. He feels the need for it and keeps trying various methods, but he finds only partial success. He gets to it at last by great effort and a higher understanding of why he is after this goal. Renunciation without aversion is not lasting is a poem that is quoted by Gandhi. He also quotes a lot from Bhagavad Gita and it is appropriate to use it here to explain this sutra.
From the abstinent soul sense objects fall away, but not the taste for them. When the Supreme Truth is realized, even the taste departs. B.G II.59
tatparam puruṣakhyāterguṇa vaitṛṣṇyam
tad – that
para – superior
puruṣa – self
khyāti – vision, from khyā is to be known
guṇa – primary constituent, strand
vaitṛṣṇya – non thirsting
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