पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव ह्रियते ह्यवशोऽपि सः | जिज्ञासुरपि योगस्य शब्दब्रह्मातिवर्तते || ४४ ||
pūrvābhyāsena tenaiva hriyate hy avaśo 'pi saḥ jijñāsur api yogasya śabda-brahmātivartate
pūrva—previous; abhyāsena—by practice; tena—by that; eva—certainly; hriyate—is attracted; hi—certainly; avaśaḥ—automatically; api—also; saḥ—he; jijñāsuḥ—inquisitive; api—even; yogasya—about yoga; śabda-brahma—ritualistic principles of scriptures; ativartate—transcends.
“By the force of his previous practice, he is drawn toward yoga even involuntarily. Even the seeker who merely inquires about yoga transcends the ritual results of the Vedas.”
Two remarkable statements are made here. First, the power of previous practice is so strong that it draws the reborn yogi toward yoga automatically, even without conscious effort — like a river that finds its old course. Second — and astonishingly — even a sincere jijñāsu (one who merely inquires about yoga with genuine interest) transcends the fruits obtainable through elaborate Vedic rituals. The inner orientation toward truth is itself immensely meritorious.
The fact that you are reading, studying, and sincerely inquiring about yoga and spiritual life places you — right now — beyond the reach of those who only perform outer rituals without inner yearning. Your sincere seeking is itself a powerful spiritual act. Do not underestimate the value of sincere inquiry.