Patanjali Yogasutra 2.51
बाह्याभ्यन्तरविषयाक्षेपी चतुर्थः || 2.51 ||
"The fourth type of Pranayama transcends both external and internal objects."
In this Sutra, Patanjali introduces the fourth type of Pranayama beyond the more commonly known practices of regulating the breath. The previous types of Pranayama
focus on controlling the breath's movement either externally (exhalation), internally (inhalation), or the cessation of both (retention). However, this fourth stage transcends these physical movements of breath and enters a more profound state, where the practitioner is no longer focused on the external (bahya) or internal (abhyantara) aspects of breathing. It is a meditative state that surpasses the physical realm and relates to withdrawing attention from the breath itself, leading to heightened awareness and a deeper connection with the subtle energy within.
This Sutra emphasizes the gradual refinement of breath control, where the practitioner goes beyond mechanical breath manipulation and instead reaches a state of inward absorption. As Patanjali explains, the mind becomes free from the distractions of external or internal stimuli, focusing solely on the stillness that arises when one is no longer bound by the process of breathing. This state is often described as
Kevala Kumbhaka, the breathless state, where breathing becomes automatic, and the body operates without conscious effort. It marks the beginning of higher spiritual awareness, moving the practitioner closer to samadhi, the ultimate goal of yoga.
The transcendence of both internal and external breath also symbolizes a deeper withdrawal of the senses (Pratyahara) and indicates that the practitioner is moving beyond the distractions of the physical body. The focus shifts to the more subtle levels of Consciousness, preparing the yogi for meditation and absorption into the higher states of existence. This practice helps in quieting the mind and is an important step in the yogic journey toward Kaivalya. The ability to go beyond physical breath control reflects mastery over both body and mind, paving the way for further spiritual growth.
Contextual Comparisons with Similar Verses:
Yoga Vashistha 6.1.4.22
यदा मनो निरुद्धं स्यात्प्राणायामस्य योगतः ।
तदा स्वात्मनि तिष्ठन्तं योगिनं ब्रह्म शाश्वतम् ॥
"When the mind is restrained through the practice of Pranayama, the yogi remains in the Self, attaining the eternal Brahman."
This verse from the Yoga Vashistha reinforces the idea presented in Patanjali's sutra, where the regulation of breath leads to a state beyond the physical. In this state, the yogi's Consciousness settles in the Self, which is synonymous with Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. Like Patanjali's description of the fourth type of Pranayama, this state transcends ordinary breath control and results in inner stillness and spiritual unity with the eternal.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.6
यदा पश्यः पश्यते रुक्मवर्णं कर्तारमीशं पुरुषं ब्रह्मयोनिम् ।
तदा विद्वान् पुण्यपापे विधूय निरञ्जनः परमं साम्यमुपैति ॥
"When the Seer beholds the golden-hued creator, the Lord, the Purusha, the source of Brahman, the wise man, having shaken off all merits and demerits, becomes free from all taints and reaches the Supreme State of Equality."
Although this verse is not directly about Pranayama, it emphasizes the transcendence achieved when one surpasses the dualities of external and internal experiences, similar to the fourth stage of Pranayama described by Patanjali. The yogi who moves beyond physical breath control and worldly distractions reaches the Ultimate Realization of the Supreme, where dualities such as merit and demerit fall away.
Bhagavad Gita 5.27-28
स्पर्शान्कृत्वा बहिर्बाह्यांश्चक्षुश्चैवान्तरे भ्रुवोः ।
प्राणापानौ समौ कृत्वा नासाभ्यन्तरचारिणौ ॥
यतेन्द्रियमनोबुद्धिर्मुनिर्मोक्षपरायणः ।
विगतेच्छाभयक्रोधो यः सदा मुक्त एव सः ॥
"Shutting out all thoughts of external enjoyment, with the gaze fixed on the space between the eye-brows, equalizing the flow of the incoming and outgoing breath in the nostrils, and thus controlling the senses, mind, and intellect, the sage who becomes free from desire, fear, and anger, always lives in freedom."
This verse describes a similar process of internalizing one’s focus by regulating the breath and shutting out external distractions, aligning closely with the state described in Patanjali's fourth type of Pranayama. The Bhagavad Gita suggests that breath control is essential in calming the mind and senses, which leads to Realization, just as the transcendence of breath in Patanjali's sutra leads to deeper spiritual awareness and freedom from worldly attachments.
Through these comparisons, we see a consistent theme in Vedic and yogic literature: mastering the breath and transcending the physical aspects of practice is a key step toward Ultimate Self-Realization.
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