Patanjali Yogasutra 3.33
(Pratibha)
प्रातिभाद्वा सर्वम्
"Through intuitive insight (pratibha), everything is known."
This Sutra refers to a form of Higher Knowledge that is not derived from the senses, inference, or scripture, but from a direct, intuitive insight called
pratibha. According to Patanjali, when a yogi reaches a certain level of spiritual development, they access this innate, intuitive knowledge that transcends the usual modes of acquiring information. This knowledge is not limited by time, space, or individuality. The word pratibha refers to an inner light or awakening of wisdom that arises spontaneously within the mind, offering an immediate and complete understanding of all things.
Pratibha is often regarded as a sign of spiritual maturity in the Yogic path. Unlike conventional knowledge, which is filtered through the intellect or senses, pratibha is pure and direct. It encompasses a holistic grasp of Reality, allowing one to perceive the interconnectedness of all existence. The yogi who has attained pratibha is able to know all aspects of life -past, present, and future -simultaneously. This state of knowledge includes not only worldly matters but also spiritual truths. It is a direct cognition of the Ultimate Reality, a form of insight that is unhindered by the limitations of logical reasoning.
In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes that pratibha is a result of deep meditation and practice. When the mind becomes purified through meditation, it can reflect the True Nature of Reality, just as a clear, still lake reflects the sky. The term “sarvam” (everything) points to the completeness of this intuitive knowledge, indicating that nothing is left unknown when one attains this level of insight. However, this state of knowledge is only available to those who have transcended the distractions and attachments of the material world and who are fully focused on their spiritual practice.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"All these can come without any samyama to the man who has the power of pratibha (enlightenment from purity). This is when a man has risen to a high state of pratibha; then he has that great Light. All things are apparent to him. Everything comes to him naturally, without making samyama on anything."
Context from Other Vedic Texts:
Mundaka Upanishad 1.1.6
द्वे विद्ये वेदितव्ये इति ह स्म यद्ब्रह्मविदो वदन्ति परा चापरा च।
"There are two types of knowledge to be known: the higher and the lower, say the Knower of Brahman."
This verse speaks to the distinction between higher, intuitive knowledge (para vidya) and lower, intellectual knowledge (apara vidya). Like pratibha, the para vidya in the Upanishads refers to the direct Realization of the Ultimate Truth or Brahman, which transcends intellectual understanding and is akin to the intuitive insight discussed in Yogasutra 3.33. Both highlight the difference between ordinary knowledge and the profound insight gained through spiritual practice.
Yoga Vashishta 6.2.139
प्रज्ञा प्रकाशते यत्र तत्र सर्वं प्रकाशते।
"Wherever wisdom shines, there everything is illuminated."
This passage from the Yoga Vashishta mirrors the idea in Patanjali’s Sutra that when wisdom or intuitive insight (pratibha) arises, it illuminates all aspects of Reality. Both teachings emphasize that this Higher Knowledge is all-encompassing and does not require external sources or sensory experience.
Rig Veda 10.71.9
यस्त्र्यक्षरं परमं वेद गूढं।
"He who knows the Supreme Word hidden in the depths of wisdom."
This verse from the Rig Veda speaks to the idea of hidden, Supreme Knowledge that can only be Realized by those who are deeply immersed in Wisdom. The “Supreme Word” here can be likened to pratibha, the intuitive insight that reveals the Ultimate Truths, which are concealed from ordinary perception.
In all these texts, the concept of Higher, Intuitive Knowledge is present, highlighting the idea that True Wisdom arises not through intellectual effort alone but through a purified and focused mind, often as a result of deep meditation or spiritual practice.
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