Chapter-3, Sutra 36

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.36

ततः प्रातिभश्रावणवेदनादर्शास्वादवार्ता जायन्ते |

"From that (inner light of wisdom), arise intuitive knowledge (pratibha), hearing (shravana), touch (vedana), sight (adarsha), taste (asvada), and smell (varta)."

In this Sutra, Patanjali refers to the evolution of heightened senses and faculties that come with advanced yogic practice. The phrase "ततः" (tatah) means "from that," referring to the state of inner clarity and wisdom achieved through the practice of meditation. When a yogi reaches this state, special abilities or refined perceptions naturally emerge. These include the ability to intuitively know things (pratibha), enhanced hearing (shravana), advanced perception of touch (vedana), extraordinary vision (adarsha), heightened taste (asvada), and sensitivity to smells (varta). These are not ordinary sensory experiences but super-sensory powers that transcend normal human faculties.

The significance of this Sutra is in recognizing that these powers are not the end goal but by-products of yogic progression. A practitioner who experiences these enhanced senses must not get distracted by them but should continue the deeper inner work. These faculties allow a yogi to perceive reality beyond the limitations of the physical senses, leading to greater awareness and understanding. However, Patanjali emphasizes that while these abilities are remarkable, they are not the ultimate objective of yoga, which is liberation (kaivalya).

Patanjali advises caution because these extraordinary capabilities can become distractions on the spiritual path. The purpose of the yogic journey is not the acquisition of mystical powers, but the Realization of the Self and liberation from the cycle of birth and death. A yogi must stay focused on attaining the Highest State of Consciousness and not be swayed by the allure of these new abilities. This Sutra, thus, serves as both an acknowledgment of the power of advanced practice and a reminder of the ultimate goal of yoga.

Context from Other Vedic Texts

A similar concept of heightened perceptions and experiences is mentioned in the Kena Upanishad, which discusses the source of all sensory powers:

कर्णयोः श्रोत्रं मनसो मनो यद् वाचो ह वाचं स उ प्राणस्य प्राणः | (Kena Upanishad 1.2)

"He (the Self) is the ear of the ear, the mind of the mind, the speech of speech, the breath of breath, and the eye of the eye."

This verse indicates that the Ultimate Source of all sensory faculties is the Self (Atman). Like Patanjali’s Yogasutra 3.36, this passage highlights that the true power behind sensory perception is beyond the senses themselves. It points to a Higher Reality and the inner spiritual dimension from which sensory experiences arise, similar to how yogic practice leads to heightened perceptions in Patanjali's Sutra.

Another comparable concept is found in the Yoga Vashishta, where Vashishta speaks of intuitive knowledge and perception:

ज्ञानं सुषुप्तिपदवत्प्रलयं प्रयाति यत्रेन्द्रियाणि विषयेषु सृज्यन्ते | (Yoga Vashishta 3.76)

"The Knowledge that transcends normal perception arises when the senses, after retreating from the world, come to rest in their Source, similar to deep sleep."

This verse parallels Patanjali's idea of advanced Knowledge and perception emerging when the mind and senses reach a state of stillness and inwardness. Here, too, the emphasis is on the inner source of knowledge that is awakened through spiritual practices.

Lastly, the Bhagavad Gita addresses the idea of refined faculties and perceptions when in a state of yoga:

प्रसादे सर्वदुःखानां हानिरस्योपजायते | (Bhagavad Gita 2.65)

"When one is in the state of inner tranquility (prasada), all sorrows are destroyed, and the mind’s perception becomes serene."

In this context, the Bhagavad Gita links the clarity of perception with inner peace. Just like in Patanjali’s Sutra, the refinement of mental and sensory faculties happens as the yogi attains greater inner clarity. The ultimate purpose, however, is the transcendence of suffering and the Realization of a Higher State of Being.

These verses from the Vedas, Upanishads, and other yogic texts all resonate with the concept of heightened sensory powers and Intuitive Knowledge as described in Patanjali Yogasutra 3.36. However, they also remind the practitioner that these powers are secondary to the Ultimate Goal of Self-Realization.