Sūtra literally means “string” or “rope” that thus strings words and meaning together.

A vyākhyāna is then the explanation, commentary, or interpretation of a central sūtra (a concise, aphoristic wisdom verse that generates a maximum of meaning with a minimum of words. A sūtra may or may not be a śloka, a metrical verse, or another type of scripture).

Because sūtras are so condensed, we still need an explanation. That is what a vyākhyāna is for.

Dṛg dṛśya viveka, verse 1, is a sūtra. It briefly outlines the entire method. The following four verses could be considered vyākhyāna.