Chapter-3, Sutra 25

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.25

प्रवृत्त्यालोकन्यासात्सूक्ष्मव्यवहितविप्रकृष्टज्ञानम् || 3.25 ||

"By concentrating on the light of the activities of perception, one gains knowledge of the subtle, the hidden, and the distant."

This Sutra describes the power of perception achieved through intense concentration or samadhi on specific subjects or objects. The term "प्रवृत्त्यालोकन्यासात्" refers to the process of focusing one's mental faculties on the illuminating aspects of perception or the inner light of awareness. By directing one’s Consciousness inward, the practitioner is able to access layers of Reality that go beyond ordinary perception.

The knowledge gained, as described in this verse, includes understanding the subtle (सूक्ष्म), the hidden (व्यवहित), and the distant (विप्रकृष्ट). This implies that when one's mind is fully concentrated and aligned with the Higher Consciousness, the practitioner gains insight into things that are not immediately perceivable through the senses. These could be things concealed by space, time, or subtlety—hidden aspects of existence that are usually outside the reach of ordinary cognition.

The broader significance of this Sutra in the practice of samyama (a combination of concentration, meditation, and samadhi) is that it highlights the potential of the human mind to transcend its natural limitations. When the mind attains a state of deep concentration, it can pierce through the barriers of materiality and distance, allowing the practitioner to see things as they truly are. This is one of the higher siddhis, or spiritual powers, that come with mastery in yoga.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"When the Yogi makes Samyama on that effulgent light in the heart he sees things which are very remote, things, for instance, that are happening in a distant place, and which are obstructed by mountain barriers and also things which are very fine."

Contextual Comparisons with Vedic Texts

Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.6

पराचः कामाननुयन्ति बाला स्ते मृत्योर्यन्ति विततस्य पाशम् |

अथ धीरा अमृतत्वं विदित्वा ध्रुवमध्रुवेष्विह न प्रार्थयन्ते ||

"The ignorant pursue external desires and walk into the trap of widespread death. The wise, having understood immortality, do not seek the eternal among the ephemeral."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad highlights the importance of inner wisdom versus outward distractions, much like Patanjali’s focus on deeper perception. It reminds us that Real Knowledge is hidden from those caught in material desires and can only be accessed by turning inward, as described in Patanjali's Sutra.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.4

चित्ते संकल्पमात्रेण व्याप्यते विश्वमण्डलम् |

उदेति दीर्घजीवित्वं यथा दीपप्रकाशनम् ||

"By a mere intention in the mind, the entire universe is pervaded. Just as a lamp illumines space, so too does the mind illuminate everything when purified."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta echoes Patanjali's Sutra by describing how the mind, when focused and purified, can transcend normal limitations and perceive the entirety of existence. It reinforces the idea that through meditation and concentration, one can access hidden or distant knowledge, similar to the siddhis Patanjali describes.

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 4.4.5

यदा सर्वे प्रमुच्यन्ते कामा येऽस्य हृदि श्रिताः |

अथ मर्त्योऽमृतो भवत्यत्र ब्रह्म समश्नुते ||

"When all the desires that dwell in the heart are let go, the mortal becomes immortal, and one attains Brahman even here."

This Upanishadic verse parallels Patanjali’s teaching on gaining knowledge beyond the limitations of the senses. It conveys that transcending desires leads to a Higher State of Awareness, much like the siddhis in yoga, where hidden and distant realities become known. This underscores the power of a mind free from distractions, accessing knowledge that would otherwise be beyond reach.

In conclusion, Patanjali’s Yogasutra 3.25, which emphasizes the capability to perceive the subtle and distant through focused Awareness, is deeply resonant with the broader teachings of ancient Vedic texts. Both highlight the journey inward, where mastery of the mind leads to the revelation of Higher Knowledge.