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Thursday, July 11, 2024

Chapter-1, Sutra 40

Patanjali Yogasutra 1.40

परमाणु परममहत्त्वान्तोऽस्य वशीकारः ॥ १.४०॥

"The Yogi's mind, thus meditating, becomes unobstructed from the atomic to the Infinite."


In this sutra, Patanjali describes the extent of mastery a yogi can achieve over their mind. The phrase "paramāṇu paramamahattvānto" 
signifies the range from the smallest particle (atom) to the largest entity (infinite). This indicates that a yogi's mind, through deep meditation, can comprehend and control both the minutest and the most expansive aspects of existence.

The term "vaśīkāraḥ" refers to a state of complete control or mastery. In this context, it implies that the yogi has achieved a level of mental discipline where their mind is no longer hindered by any limitations, whether they pertain to the smallest or the largest elements of the universe. This mastery is not just over physical objects but also over thoughts, emotions, and the very fabric of Reality.

This sutra emphasizes the boundless potential of the human mind when it is trained and disciplined through the practice of yoga. It suggests that with sustained effort and meditation, one can transcend ordinary perceptions and attain a profound understanding and control over all aspects of existence.

Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts

Rigveda 1.164.39

इन्द्रम मित्रं वरुणम अग्निम आहुरथो दिव्यः स सुपर्णो गरुत्मान्।
एकं सद् विप्रा बहुधा वदन्त्यग्निं यमं मातरिश्वानमाहुः॥
   
"They call him Indra, Mitra, Varuna, Agni, and he is the divine and noble-winged Garutman. The sages call one being by many names; they call it Agni, Yama, Matarishvan."

This verse from the Rigveda highlights the concept of unity in diversity, similar to how Patanjali's sutra speaks of the mind's ability to grasp both the smallest and the largest aspects of existence.

Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.6

यस्मिन्सर्वाणि भूतानि आत्मैवाभूद्विजानतः।
तत्र को मोहः कः शोक एकत्वमनुपश्यतः॥
   
"When one sees all beings in the Self and the Self in all beings, then there is no delusion or sorrow, for one sees only Oneness everywhere."

 This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad resonates with the idea of seeing the infinite in the finite and vice versa, as described in Patanjali's sutra.

Bhagavad Gita 6.30

यो मां पश्यति सर्वत्र सर्वं च मयि पश्यति।
तस्याहं न प्रणश्यामि स च मे न प्रणश्यति॥
   
"He who sees Me everywhere and sees everything in Me, to him I am never lost, nor is he ever lost to Me."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita aligns with the concept of a yogi's mind being able to perceive the divine in all aspects of existence, from the smallest to the largest.

These verses collectively underscore the profound interconnectedness of all things and the potential for human Consciousness to transcend ordinary limitations through spiritual practice and Realization.

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