Chapter-3, Sutra 24

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.24

(Strength)

बलेषु हस्तिबलादीनि

"By meditating on strength, such as the strength of an elephant, one gains the strength of that being."

In this Sutra, Patanjali explains a particular siddhi (supernatural power) that can be attained through focused meditation on the strength of powerful beings like an elephant. The word "बलेषु" (baleṣu) refers to powers or strengths, and "हस्तिबलादीनि" (hastibalādīni) specifically points to the strength of an elephant. This implies that through deep meditation on the concept and embodiment of strength, one can access a similar type of strength. The yogi can tap into specific forms of power in the universe, mimicking that strength within themselves.

The underlying idea is that the mind has the power to align with universal qualities, such as physical strength, when focused in the right way. This Sutra demonstrates the power of concentration (dharana) in yoga. By intensely focusing on something, one can absorb its qualities. In this case, focusing on the might of an elephant can result in the yogi attaining similar physical and mental strength. This shows how the mind, when directed, can influence even physical attributes.

Patanjali presents this as one of the numerous siddhis that can be gained, illustrating that yoga offers a way to master aspects of the physical world. However, these siddhis are often seen as potential distractions from the ultimate goal of yoga, which is Self-Realization and liberation (kaivalya). Gaining strength like that of an elephant might be impressive, but it is not the end goal of the yogic path. The emphasis remains on inner mastery rather than the external display of power.

This Sutra highlights the power of focused concentration (samyama), where meditation on a particular aspect of the world, such as strength, leads to mastery over it. Patanjali refers to this in the broader context of siddhis, or supernatural abilities, that a practitioner can acquire. This does not imply a mystical transformation but suggests that the mind, when fully absorbed in a particular trait, can manifest and harness it. The strength mentioned here, however, should not only be interpreted physically but also mentally and spiritually, indicating mastery over both internal and external challenges.

Swami Vivekanand said: 

"When a Yogi has attained to this Samyama and wants strength, he makes a Samyama on the strength of the elephant, and gets it. Infinite energy is at the disposal of everyone, if he only knows how to get it. The Yogi has discovered the science of getting it."

Comparison with Similar Verses from Other Vedic Texts

Rig Veda 10.119.6 

अहमिन्द्रो न परजिग्ये अहं किल विश्वहा बली।

मम त्वमेतद्युजं वा सख्यम्॥

"I am Indra, undefeated, the one who destroys all. My power is immense; may you, O companion, join me in this strength."

Here, the speaker identifies with Indra, the god of strength and victory. Much like in Patanjali’s Sutra, the identification with a powerful being allows one to tap into the qualities associated with that Being, showing the shared Vedic understanding that meditating on a divine or powerful form can bestow strength.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.69

यत्र यत्र मनः स्थिरं तत्र तत्र स्थिरो भवेत्।

यस्य यस्य स्वरूपेण तेन तेनैव तत् स्मृतम्॥

"Wherever the mind becomes steady, there it becomes established. Whatever form it contemplates, that form is Realized."

This verse mirrors Patanjali’s teaching by explaining that the mind, when fixed on a particular object or concept, assimilates the qualities of that object. This principle of focused meditation leading to the absorption of particular traits is a common theme across yogic and Vedic teachings.

Mundaka Upanishad 3.2.9

स यः सर्वज्ञः सर्वविद्येष तपस्य ज्ञानमयो बलिः।

"He who knows everything, who possesses all knowledge, is mighty through his austerity and wisdom."

This Upanishadic verse ties wisdom and strength together, showing that spiritual strength arises not just from physical prowess but from wisdom and deep meditation. Similar to Patanjali’s idea of gaining strength through focused meditation, the Upanishads highlight the connection between mental focus and strength (bali) born out of spiritual discipline.

These verses collectively emphasize the yogic and Vedic theme that the mind has the power to access, Realize, and even embody different aspects of strength through meditation and concentration. By tapping into this source, the practitioner can attain mastery over not only the physical world but also the spiritual realm.