Here are seven ways to explain this sūtra from seven different, respected, and renowned authorities known for their work with Patañjali’s Yoga Sūtras.

T.K.V. Desikachar: In the absence of the state of mind called Yoga, the ability to understand the object is simply replaced by the mind’s conception of that object or by a total lack of comprehension.

B.K.S. Iyengar: At other times, the seer identifies the fluctuating consciousness.

Sri Swami Satchidananda: At other times [the Self appears to] assume the forms of the mental modifications.

Chip Hartranft: Otherwise, awareness takes itself to be the patterns of consciousness.

Gregor Maehle: At other times it appears to take on the form of the modifications of the mind.

Swāmi Hariharānanda Āranya: At other times the seer appears to assume the form of the modification of the mind.

I.K. Taimni: In other states there is assimilation (of the Seer) with the modifications (of the mind)