Chapter-1, Sutra 25

Patanjali Yogasutra 1.25

तत्र निरतिशयं सार्वज्ञबीजम् ॥ १.२५॥

"In God, the seed of omniscience is at unsurpassable level." 

For ordinary beings, knowledge is limited to the extent of the perception of senses. If the seed of All-Knowing or Omniscience begins developing in them, they start to perceive things beyond senses. Hence the Omniscience includes both the knowledge perceived by the senses as well as the Knowledge perceived beyond senses. It is said that the seed of Omniscience of the yogi  grows stage by stage.

This verse highlights the concept of Supreme Knowledge or Omniscience. Patanjali suggests that in the state of Samadhi (deep meditation), the practitioner's awareness transcends ordinary limitations. While ordinary knowledge is like a seed (germ) in most individuals, in the state of Samadhi, it blossoms into boundless wisdom. This verse emphasizes the transformative potential of yoga practice, leading to expanded Consciousness and direct perception of Truth.

Swami Vivekanand says:

"The mind must always travel between two extremes. You can think of limited space, but the very idea of that gives you also unlimited space. Close your eyes and think of a little space, and at the same time that you perceive the little circle, you have a circle round it of unlimited dimensions. It is the same with time. Try to think of a second, you will have, with the same act of perception, to think of time which is unlimited. So with knowledge. Knowledge is only a germ in man, but you will have to think of Infinite Knowledge around it, so that the very nature of your constitution shows us that there is unlimited Knowledge, and the yogis call that Unlimited Knowledge – God."

Now, let's explore similar themes from Vedic texts:

Bhagavad Gita (7.26):

वेदाहं समतीतानि वर्तमानानि चार्जुन।

भविष्याणि च भूतानि मां तु वेद न कश्चन।।

 

"O Arjuna, I know all beings that have existed, exist now, and will exist in the future, but no one knows Me."

In this verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna asserts His Omni science, similar to Patanjali's concept of all-knowingness.

Mundaka Upanishad (1.1.9):

यस्त्वविज्ञानवान्भवत्ययुक्तेन मनसा सदा।

तस्येन्द्रियाण्यवश्यानि दुष्टाश्वा इव सारथेः।।

   

"He who is devoid of ignorance, whose mind is always steady, his senses are under control, like well-trained horses under a charioteer."

The Mundaka Upanishad emphasizes Self-Realization and control over the senses, leading to Higher Knowledge.

In summary, Patanjali's Yogasutra 1.25 aligns with the broader spiritual tradition found in Vedic texts, emphasizing the pursuit of Knowledge and the expansion of Consciousness. Whether through yoga or direct Realization, the seeker aims to transcend limited understanding and connect with the infinite wisdom inherent in the universe.