Chapter-3, Sutra 32

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.32

मूर्धज्योतिषि सिद्धदर्शनम् || 3.32 ||

"By meditating on the Light in the crown of the head ("Murdha"), the vision of perfected beings (Siddhas) is attained."

In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the significance of focusing on the "Murdha" or the crown of the head, which is often associated with the Sahasrara chakra in yogic traditions. The “Jyotish” or light in this area is symbolic of spiritual awakening and enlightenment. This technique is considered an advanced stage of meditation, where the yogi directs their concentration towards the Divine Light at the crown. Such intense focus on this point enables the practitioner to enter a state of heightened Consciousness, wherein they become capable of perceiving "Siddhas" — perfected or liberated beings who have transcended the limitations of physical existence.

In this Sutra, "murdha" refers to the crown of the head, specifically the crown chakra (sahasrara). This location is associated with spiritual insight and higher awareness. By practicing samyama on the light at this chakra, one can perceive the experiences of enlightened beings or masters (siddhas). This practice allows for a deeper connection to transcendent Knowledge and Consciousness.

The mention of Siddhas suggests that this meditation grants the practitioner access to a higher realm of spiritual existence. These beings may be enlightened Masters, devas (gods), or rishis (seers) who have achieved liberation from the cycle of birth and death. In this state of Spiritual Realization, the yogi can receive Divine guidance, wisdom, and the presence of such beings. This encounter can be interpreted either literally, as a vision of Divine entities, or metaphorically, as a deeper understanding of one’s own inner divinity and potential.

In a broader sense, this Sutra teaches that when a practitioner has disciplined their mind and reached advanced stages of meditative focus, they can tap into higher planes of existence. It is not merely about seeing mystical beings but rather about achieving a level of consciousness where wisdom, purity, and spiritual clarity are obtained. This state is a reflection of the siddhi (supernatural power) that arises from intense meditation and an unwavering focus on spiritual progress.

Comparative Context with Similar Vedic Verses

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.9

स यः शिरसि ध्यायति योऽन्तर्हृदि योऽयं वै लिङ्गशरीरः सः | स एष सर्वस्यात्मा तत्सर्वं तद्भवत्यथ सूक्ष्मं ब्रह्म ||

"He who meditates on the Self (Atman) within the head, in the heart, or perceives it as the subtle essence within all beings, he attains the subtle Brahman, which is the Source of all."

This Upanishadic verse highlights the focus on the Self or Atman located within the head and heart. Similar to the focus on the "Murdha Jyotish" in the Yogasutra, this verse directs meditation towards the higher Self and results in Realization of the Brahman, the Ultimate Truth. Both texts emphasize the inner light and the realization of Higher States of Consciousness through directed meditation.

Yoga Vashishta 6.2.150

यथा सम्वृत्तिरुपजा भ्रान्तिदर्शनतो महान् | तथैव दृश्यतेऽस्माभिरात्मनो यो महत्प्रकाशः ||

"Just as the illusion of false perceptions arises from delusion, so too is the grand Light of the Self perceived by us through the vision of wisdom."

The Yoga Vashishta speaks of the grand light of the Self that is revealed through wisdom. This is closely related to the "Murdha Jyotish" in Patanjali’s Sutra, where light is a metaphor for spiritual insight. Both texts highlight the transformative nature of meditation on the inner light, leading to the dissolution of ignorance and the Realization of Higher Truths.

Shvetashvatara Upanishad 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, nor the stars; neither do these flashes of lightning shine, and how can fire? He alone shining, everything shines after him; by His light all this is illumined."

This Upanishadic verse elaborates on the idea of a Divine Light that transcends all physical sources of illumination, similar to the "Murdha 

Jyotish." Both verses indicate that this inner light is the source of all illumination, representing the ultimate truth and spiritual realization. It is by focusing on this light that one attains knowledge of the Siddhas or the Divine presence in the Yogasutra, and the Supreme Reality in the Upanishads.