Chapter-3, Sutra 34

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.34

हृदये चित्तसंवित्॥३.३४॥

"By meditation on the heart, the knowledge of the mind is obtained."

In this Sutra, Patanjali focuses on the connection between the heart and the mind. The word "हृदय" (hṛdaya) refers to the heart, which in yogic philosophy is not merely the physical organ but a center of emotion, feeling, and intuition. "चित्तसंवित्" (cittasaṃvit) denotes knowledge or insight into the nature of the mind. By concentrating on the heart during meditation, one gains profound insight into the workings of their mind, including subconscious thoughts and emotional patterns. This practice helps in unlocking the depths of one's Consciousness, allowing the yogi to observe the mind without attachment or distraction.

The heart in many spiritual traditions is considered a repository of wisdom and deep knowledge. Here, Patanjali emphasizes that the mind's clarity is not just about intellectual understanding but also about attuning oneself to the intuitive wisdom that resides in the heart. The knowledge gained is not theoretical but experiential, offering a direct perception of one’s own mind and thoughts, facilitating self-awareness and emotional balance.

This Sutra connects to the broader context of yoga, where the practice aims to harmonize the mind, body, and emotions. Meditation on the heart is a pathway to Self-Realization, where the mind becomes transparent and free from the kleshas (afflictions). It is also seen as a means to transcend the ego, as deep awareness from the heart dissolves mental blockages, leading to spiritual progress.

Comparison with Similar Verses from Other Vedic Texts:

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.4

द्वे विद्ये वेदितव्ये इति ह स्म यद्ब्रह्मविदो वदन्ति। परा चापरा च॥

तत्रापरा ऋग्वेदो यजुर्वेदः सामवेदोऽथर्ववेदः शिक्षा कल्पो व्याकरणं निरुक्तं छन्दो ज्योतिषमिति। अथ परा यया तदक्षरमधिगम्यते॥

"There are two kinds of knowledge to be known: higher and lower. The lower is the Rigveda, Yajurveda, Samaveda, and Atharvaveda, as well as phonetics, rituals, grammar, etymology, metrics, and astrology. The Higher is that by which the imperishable (Brahman) is attained."

This verse emphasizes the distinction between intellectual knowledge and Higher Spiritual Knowledge. In the context of Patanjali’s Sutra, the “higher” Knowledge (para vidya) corresponds to the insight into the mind through meditation on the heart, aligning with the experiential wisdom attained in yoga.

Yoga Vashishta 18.30

चित्तं हि चित्तयारूपं यदा संप्राप्तमात्मनि।

ततः संपूर्णसंकल्पं स्वात्मन्येव विलीयते॥

"The mind, when merged into the Self through contemplation, dissolves all desires and merges back into the Self."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta echoes Patanjali’s concept of attaining insight into the mind (चित्तसंवित्) through focused meditation. It speaks to the dissolution of mental patterns and desires through contemplation, leading to Self-Realization, much like the Inner Knowledge Patanjali describes as arising from meditation on the heart.

Katha Upanishad 2.3.15

यदा पञ्चावतिष्ठन्ते ज्ञानानि मनसा सह।

बुद्धिश्च न विचेष्टते तामाहुः परमां गतिम्॥

"When the five senses and the mind are at rest, and the intellect ceases to be active, that is known as the Highest State."

This verse correlates to the stilling of mental activities through meditation, as seen in Patanjali's Sutra. The Upanishadic notion of attaining the "highest state" (parama gatim) through the cessation of mental and sensory activities is analogous to gaining insight into the mind's true nature through focused meditation on the heart, as described by Patanjali.

In summary, Patanjali’s Sutra on gaining knowledge of the mind through meditation on the heart aligns with the broader Vedic and yogic tradition, where True Knowledge is experiential and intuitive, transcending intellectual learning. 

These verses from other texts emphasize the importance of introspection, inner quietude, and the dissolution of the mind's restlessness to achieve Higher Wisdom and Self-Realization.