Chapter-3, Sutra 37

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.37

(Siddhis)

ते समाधावुपसर्गा व्युत्थाने सिद्धयः || 3.37 ||

"These powers are obstacles in samadhi, but are accomplishments in a state of distraction (vyutthana)."

In this Sutra, Patanjali is addressing the various siddhis or supernatural powers that can arise as a result of intense spiritual practices. These powers, such as clairvoyance, levitation, and other extraordinary abilities, may appear as a byproduct of the concentrated mind during meditation. However, Patanjali warns that while these abilities might seem extraordinary and desirable, they are, in fact, distractions (upasarga) for the yogi striving for the Ultimate State of samadhi. Samadhi is the state of deep, focused meditation where the ego dissolves, and one experiences unity with the object of meditation. These powers are considered obstacles because they can create attachment or pride, diverting the yogi from the path of Realization.

The term "vyutthana" refers to the active or distracted state of the mind, contrasting with the deep stillness achieved in samadhi. In this distracted state, these powers might appear as accomplishments or successes (siddhayah), and they are often valued by those who are not pursuing the final goal of liberation. However, for the true seeker aiming for kaivalya, these powers must be transcended. Their allure can derail the yogi's journey, binding them to the material world and the ego, and thus preventing the attainment of True Knowledge and Realization.

Patanjali’s caution here underlines the importance of discernment (viveka) on the spiritual path. The yogi must remain aware that these powers, while possibly impressive or even helpful in worldly terms, are irrelevant to the Ultimate Goal of Self-Realization. The real accomplishment is transcending these powers and remaining focused on the state of samadhi. For the yogi, the pursuit of such powers is a subtle trap that can lead them away from Realization if they are not careful to recognize them as distractions.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"If the yogi knows all these enjoyments of the world, it comes by the junction of the Purusha and the mind. If he wants to make samyama on this, that they are two different things, nature and soul, he gets knowledge of the Purusha. From that arises discrimination. When he has got that discrimination he gets the Pratibha, the light of supreme genius. These powers, however, are obstructions to the attainment of the Highest Goal, the Knowledge of the Pure Self, and freedom; these are, as it were, to be met in the way, and if the yogi rejects them, he attains the highest. If he is tempted to acquire these, his farther progress is barred."

Comparative Verses from Other Vedic Texts:

Bhagavad Gita 16.16 

 अनेकचित्तविभ्रान्ता मोहजालसमावृताः | प्रसक्ताः कामभोगेषु पतन्ति नरकेऽशुचौ || 16.16 ||

"Bewildered by numerous thoughts and entangled in the web of delusion, attached to sensual enjoyments, they fall into a foul hell."

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita describes individuals who, distracted by the multitude of worldly thoughts and desires, become entangled in illusion and fall into suffering. This is comparable to Patanjali’s warning that attachment to siddhis can entrap the yogi in a similar web of distraction, diverting them from their spiritual path. Both texts highlight how attachment to sensory and worldly powers can lead to delusion and away from spiritual Realization.

Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.12  

परीक्ष्य लोकान् कर्मचितान् ब्राह्मणो निर्वेदमायान्नास्त्यकृतः कृतेन | तद्विज्ञानार्थं स गुरुमेवाभिगच्छेत् समित्पाणिः श्रोत्रियं ब्रह्मनिष्ठम् || 1.2.12 ||

"Having examined the worlds gained through actions, let a Brahmana develop dispassion. Realizing that the Eternal is not attainable by actions, let him seek Knowledge from a teacher who is rooted in Brahman."

This Upanishadic verse echoes the need for discernment in the spiritual path. Just as Patanjali warns about the distractions of siddhis, the Mundaka Upanishad emphasizes that even worldly accomplishments and the fruits of action are ultimately impermanent and unsatisfactory. True Knowledge and Realization require renunciation of such distractions and seeking Wisdom from a Realized teacher.

Yoga Vashishta 6.1.4 

योगो विरागयोरैक्यमिष्टं चित्तरवेरपि | वियोगश्चित्तवैकल्ये समाधिर्मुक्तिरात्मनि || 6.1.4 ||

"Yoga is the union of detachment and the focused mind. When the mind is disturbed, there is disconnection, but when the mind is calm and in equilibrium, there is liberation."

This verse from the Yoga Vashishta also stresses the importance of a calm and detached mind for achieving Realization, aligning with Patanjali’s teaching that distractions such as siddhis must be transcended. The Ultimate Goal is not the acquisition of powers but the calming of the mind to achieve union with the Self.