Patanjali Yogasutra 3.41
श्रोत्राकाशयोः सम्बन्धसंयमाद्दिव्यं श्रोत्रम् ।
"By practicing samyama (deep meditation) on the relationship between the ear and space (ākāśa), one attains divine hearing."
In this Sutra, Patanjali emphasizes the practice of samyama on the connection between the faculty of hearing and space. Here, "shrotra" refers to the sense of hearing, while "akasha" refers to space. The idea is that sound waves travel through space, and by understanding and meditating on this subtle relationship, one can transcend ordinary hearing abilities and attain "divine hearing" or divya shrotram. This refers to the capacity to hear sounds far beyond the normal auditory range, including distant sounds or even those not ordinarily perceptible by humans.
This extraordinary ability is not merely an extension of physical hearing but is linked to a deeper yogic insight. In yogic philosophy, ākāśa is considered the subtlest of the five elements (panchabhutas), and sound is its fundamental quality. By attuning oneself to the subtle vibrations present in the cosmos, a yogi can access knowledge and perception beyond the limitations of the material world. This achievement is viewed as an indication of spiritual progress and mastery over the senses, leading the yogi to greater awareness of the universe's interconnectedness.
In a broader context, Patanjali's teaching here reflects the yogic view that mastery over sensory faculties can lead to experiences that are Divine or superhuman in nature.
However, this is not merely for the purpose of gaining power but serves as a step toward deeper spiritual realization. Divya shrotram is part of the siddhis (yogic powers), which are often seen as milestones on the path toward enlightenment but are not to be pursued for their own sake. Patanjali warns later in the text that attachment to such powers can become an obstacle to the ultimate goal of Realization or kaivalya.
Context from Other Vedic Texts
For a broader perspective, let's explore similar verses from other Vedic scriptures:
Mundaka Upanishad 1.2.9
सर्वे निमेषा जाग्रति तस्मिन्स्कन्द इव पन्थाः।
स यत्र कामानां समाप्तिरसौ तदेव शुक्रं तद्ब्रह्म तद्वाचस्पतिः तल्लोकेषु॥
"All the senses awaken in him, just like paths that lead to him, who is the fulfillment of desires. That is the Pure One; that is Brahman; that is the Knower of speech; that is present in all worlds."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad highlights the concept that all sensory faculties ultimately lead to the Realization of Brahman, the Ultimate Reality. In the context of hearing, the yogi who attains heightened sensory awareness through meditation understands that the sense faculties are not separate but connected to the Cosmic Consciousness, much like Patanjali's concept of Divine hearing.
Yoga Vashishta 5.53.12
यत्र यत्र मनो याति तत्र तत्र समाधयः।
अदृष्टार्थासु दृष्टान्ते यत्र याति मनः स्थितिः॥
"Wherever the mind goes, there lies the State of samadhi; even in the unseen, the mind establishes itself where it is directed."
This verse emphasizes the power of focused meditation. Just as Patanjali teaches the ability to develop Divine hearing through focused concentration on sound and space, the Yoga Vashishta conveys that where the mind is deeply focused, there samadhi is achieved, bringing extraordinary powers or perceptions in any aspect that one meditates upon.
Chandogya Upanishad 7.2.1
आकाशः हि सर्वगः एव।
स हि सर्वमिति।
"Space (ākāśa) indeed is everywhere; it encompasses everything."
The Chandogya Upanishad discusses ākāśa as the all-encompassing element. The connection to Patanjali's Sutra lies in the understanding that sound travels through this all-pervading space. Through meditative insight, one can tune into this cosmic space and perceive vibrations beyond the limits of ordinary human faculties, linking to the concept of Divine hearing.
These verses, though from different texts, share a common theme with Patanjali’s teaching on Divine hearing - that heightened awareness through deep meditation leads to transcendence of ordinary sensory limitations, offering the yogi access to a more profound connection with the universe.
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