Chapter-3, Sutra 30

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.30

कण्ठकूपे क्षुत्पिपासानिवृत्तिः।

"By concentration on the throat pit, hunger and thirst are overcome."

This Sutra refers to the ability to transcend the sensations of hunger and thirst by concentrating on the kantha-kupe, or the "throat pit" region, commonly associated with the vishuddha chakra or the energy center at the throat. This siddhi 

implies that through deep concentration, one can master bodily needs like hunger and thirst, which are normally inevitable human experiences.

In a deeper sense, the Sutra reveals the immense power of focused meditation. It suggests that yogic practice allows one to go beyond the limitations of the body by controlling internal bodily processes and sensations. Hunger and thirst are primary urges, but by meditating on the throat center, one can access a state where these primal urges cease to disturb the mind. This control over basic instincts demonstrates a yogi's growing command over the physical self, ultimately aiding in spiritual progress.

This idea of overcoming physical needs also symbolizes the yogi’s mastery over the material aspects of existence. In yoga, controlling such desires is seen as a way to advance toward liberation or kaivalya. The ultimate goal of yoga is to rise above not just bodily limitations but mental and emotional constraints as well, which is a stepping stone toward self-realization and the experience of Pure Consciousness.

Comparative Context from Vedic Texts:

Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.5

अतिवादांस्तमश्नुते यो न वेद किमृचो याऽजुर्मन्दाः।

"The Knower of the Supreme goes beyond hunger, thirst, sorrow, and delusion. He transcends the realm of speech and intellect."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad emphasizes that one who knows Brahman, the Ultimate Reality, transcends physical needs like hunger and thirst. Similar to Patanjali’s emphasis on meditative control, this verse suggests that Knowledge of the Self leads to a state where worldly desires and necessities lose their grip on the individual. Both verses highlight the idea of freedom from bodily needs through Higher Realization.

Bhagavad Gita 6.16

नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः। न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन।।

"Yoga is not for one who eats too much or too little, nor for one who sleeps too much or too little, O Arjuna."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita stresses the importance of moderation in spiritual practice. While it doesn’t advocate complete transcendence of hunger and thirst like Patanjali’s Sutra, it does underscore balance in life. Just as Patanjali suggests the yogi gains control over these basic needs, the Gita advises moderation as a way to maintain control over one's body and mind.

Yoga Vashistha 3.47.2

अहंकारविमुक्तात्मा जातोऽस्मि निर्विकल्पकः। क्षुत्पिपासादिनिर्मुक्तः संवित्तिविरहो यथा।।

"I am free from ego, and established in a state of non-duality. I am beyond hunger and thirst, free from the delusions of the mind."

The Yoga Vashistha echoes Patanjali’s concept, where a yogi who transcends the ego and mind no longer experiences hunger or thirst. Here, the emphasis is on attaining a state of non-duality and freedom from bodily sensations, indicating a similar path of meditation and Self-Realization, in line with the siddhi of overcoming hunger and thirst as described by Patanjali.

These texts, like Patanjali’s Yogasutra, suggest that deep meditative practice or Realization of the Self leads to mastery over physical needs and drives. The theme of transcending hunger and thirst, a basic yet significant aspect of human existence, is common in both Yoga philosophy and Upanishadic teachings, reflecting the Spiritual Goal of overcoming the limitations of the physical body and entering a Higher State of Consciousness.