Chapter -2, Sutra 52

Patanjali Yogasutra 2.52

(Effect of Pranayama)

ततः क्षीयते प्रकाशावरणम् ॥२.५२॥

"Then, the veil that covers the light is destroyed."

This verse refers to the result of practicing pranayama, which is elaborated upon in the preceding verses. It results in removal of the obstacles that cloud one's perception and Consciousness. 

The term "प्रकाशावरणम्" (Prakāśa-āvaraṇam) translates to the "veil that covers the light," where "light" symbolizes Inner Knowledge, Wisdom, or the Self 's Pure Consciousness. The verse suggests that through sustained practice of pranayama, this veil, which obscures clarity and perception, gradually diminishes.

Patanjali is indicating that once this veil is removed, the mind's obscurations - caused by distractions, ignorance, and emotional turbulence - start dissolving. This process allows the practitioner to access deeper states of mental clarity and insight, unhindered by past conditioning or unconscious impulses. In a metaphysical sense, "light" represents the innate Knowledge of the True Self or the Awareness that shines forth when ignorance is removed.

Further, this verse implies a state of purified Consciousness where the practitioner begins to experience life in a more lucid, transparent, and insightful manner. The result of removing this veil is not just an intellectual understanding, but an experiential Realization of Reality. This "unveiling" of the light suggests a transition towards higher states of meditation, eventually leading to samadhi (absorption).

Swami Vivekanand said:

"The Chitta has, by its own nature, all Knowledge. It is made of Sattva particles, but is covered by Rajas and Tamas particles, and by Pranayama this covering is removed."

Context from Other Vedic Texts:

Katha Upanishad 2.2.15

न तत्र सूर्यो भाति न चन्द्रतारकं नेमा विद्युतो भान्ति कुतोऽयमग्निः। तमेव भान्तमनुभाति सर्वं तस्य भासा सर्वमिदं विभाति ॥

"There, the sun does not shine, nor the moon and stars, nor the lightning, nor fire like this. After Him, all other things shine; by His light, all these are lighted."

This verse from the Katha Upanishad, much like Patanjali’s verse, talks about a Light beyond the physical world. The Upanishad highlights the supreme consciousness or Brahman, which is self-luminous. The removal of ignorance or the veils of maya (illusion) allows one to perceive this light, which is the source of all illumination. Both Patanjali and the Katha Upanishad emphasize the role of clearing away veils (ignorance, distractions) to uncover the Inner Light of True Knowledge.

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.10

दिव्यो ह्य् अमूर्तः पुरुषः स बाह्याभ्यन्तरो ह्यजः। अप्राणो ह्यमानाः शुभ्रोऽक्षरात् परतः परः ॥

"The Self is pure, without form, external and internal, unborn, without breath, without mind, radiant, and transcendent beyond the imperishable."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad presents a description of the Supreme Self as radiant and Pure, similar to the Inner Light referenced in Patanjali’s Sutra. The Mundaka Upanishad encourages practitioners to transcend material limitations and veils, unveiling the pure, radiant self that exists beyond breath and mind. The idea of light as a metaphor for the soul’s true essence is present in both texts, illustrating the common spiritual thread of uncovering layers of ignorance.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.52

मन एव हि संसारः कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः। मनः क्लृप्तं जगत्सर्वं मन एव प्रसारितम्॥

"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation. The entire universe is but an expansion of the mind."

The Yoga Vashishta aligns closely with Patanjali’s teachings, asserting that the mind is the key to both ignorance (bondage) and enlightenment (liberation). By controlling and purifying the mind, particularly through practices like pranayama, the veils obscuring knowledge can be removed. Both texts emphasize the critical role the mind plays in unveiling the true nature of reality, reflecting a universal theme across many Vedic traditions.

Patanjali’s verse 2.52 and the associated comparison verses from the Upanishads and the Yoga Vashishta highlight a shared belief in the removal of ignorance or veils that obscure the light of True Knowledge. The practice of pranayama in Patanjali’s system and the purification of the mind in the Upanishadic context both aim to reveal the innate, luminous self that transcends physical limitations and leads to spiritual liberation.