Chapter-3, Sutra 42

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.42

(Akasha)

कायाकाशयोः सम्बन्धसंयमाल्लघुतूलसमापत्तेश्चाकाशगमनम् ॥ 3.42 ॥

"By performing samyama (perfect concentration) on the relationship between the body and space (ākāśa), and through achieving the state of lightness like a tuft of cotton, the power of traveling through space is attained."

In this Sutra, Patanjali discusses the extraordinary ability to move through space, referred to as "ākāśa gamanam" or "space travel." This ability is achieved by mastering samyama, which is the focused application of concentration, meditation, and insight on a particular object or principle. Here, the focus is on the connection between the physical body (kāya) and the element of space (ākāśa). By contemplating this relationship and understanding the subtleties of the body’s interaction with space, the practitioner can transcend the usual limitations imposed by gravity and matter. This results in an experience of "lightness" akin to that of cotton floating in the air.

The term "laghu-tūla-samāpatti" refers to the lightness that is attained when the practitioner's body becomes as light as a cotton ball (tūla). This is a metaphysical transformation where the practitioner’s attachment to the physical mass and density of the body is relinquished, allowing for the free movement through space. This concept reflects a state where the practitioner has mastered the material aspects of the body, gaining control over its weight and density, which would ordinarily limit movement in space.

Patanjali uses this siddhi 

(supernatural power) to illustrate the profound transformation that occurs when the mind is completely refined and can command the elements. It is not meant to be understood purely in the context of physical space travel but is also symbolic of the lightening of burdens—physical, emotional, and spiritual—that keep one grounded in the material world. The yogi, through detachment and understanding of the body-space relationship, metaphorically soars to higher spiritual planes.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"This akasa is the material of this body; it is only akasa in a certain form that has become the body. If the yogi makes samyama on this akasa material of his body, it acquires the lightness of akasa, and can go anywhere through the air."

Comparative Verses from Vedic Texts

Chandogya Upanishad 7.12.1

य एतस्मिन्नाकाशे स्थितोऽणुरणीयान्स्वधयन्नाकाशे मेधाविनं ज्ञात्वा सोऽक्षरं ब्रह्म ज्ञात्वा तदात्मनं विदित्वा ततः परं चोदति || 7.12.1 ||

"The one who is smaller than the smallest, who is stationed in the ākāśa (space), and who knows the intelligent being within the space—having realized that immortal Brahman, and understanding it as the Self, one transcends to the beyond."

In this verse from the Chandogya Upanishad, the idea of transcending limitations of physical existence is addressed through meditation on ākāśa. Just as Patanjali speaks of using space to transcend physical limits, the Upanishad talks about Realizing the Self within the ākāśa, thereby leading to Realization and transcendence.

Shiva Purana (1.27.17)

मायाविनां शरीराणि कर्मणा देहिनामपि।

शक्यन्ते तूलवद्गन्तुं सर्वदेशेषु सर्वदा॥

"The bodies of those who have mastered illusion (māyā), and even of ordinary beings through karma, are capable of becoming as light as cotton and moving freely in all places at all times."

This verse from the Shiva Purana talks about the yogic power that allows the body to become light and move anywhere, much like the power described by Patanjali. This again emphasizes the mastery over material reality and the capacity for transcendence through spiritual practices.

Yoga Vashishta ( 1.7.5)

वायुवेगसमः सिद्धः पश्यत्यन्तर्गतं जगत्।

देहेन लघुता याता गच्छत्याकाशमात्मनः॥

"The accomplished yogi, swift as the wind, perceives the entire world within and, having attained lightness in the body, travels through space effortlessly."

In the Yoga Vashishta, a similar power of moving through space is described, where the yogi becomes swift as the wind and light in body. This reflects Patanjali's teachings, wherein mastery over the elements results in powers such as levitation and the ability to move through space.

Patanjali’s sutra 3.42 on achieving lightness and moving through space can be seen as part of the broader yogic understanding of transcendence over physical limitations. Other Vedic texts, such as the Upanishads, Puranas, and Yoga Vashishta, also emphasize similar powers, focusing on how detachment from the material body and mastery over the elements lead to spiritual liberation and extraordinary abilities. These texts reinforce the idea that yogic practice allows one to transcend the usual boundaries of existence and move toward higher spiritual states.