Chapter-3, Sutra 43

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.43

बहिरकल्पिता वृत्तिर्महाविदेहा ततः प्रकाशावरणक्षयः

"When there is complete freedom from the concept of the body and one attains the state of 'Mahavideha' (the great disembodied state), the covering that veils the light of True Knowledge, is destroyed."

In this Sutra, Patanjali describes the advanced yogic accomplishment of "Mahavideha" or "the great disembodied state." Here, "bahirakalpita vritti" means the cessation of all external concepts or forms associated with the physical body. By transcending bodily identification, the yogi reaches a state in which the limitations and constructs of the physical form are no longer relevant. The "Mahavideha" state represents a transcendental Consciousness that is no longer tethered to bodily boundaries or the sensory experience of the physical world, which enables the yogi to achieve an expanded Awareness beyond individual identity.

The Sutra also addresses the idea of "prakasha avarana kshaya," meaning the removal or dissolution of the covering that blocks the Light of Knowledge. In this liberated state, the mental or perceptual barriers that typically obscure one’s understanding of the True Self are dismantled. This clarity allows a direct perception of Truth, unclouded by personal biases or the distractions of worldly attachments. The yogi's vision becomes filled with insight and enlightenment, an experience often described as an unveiling of inner light, or "prakasha," which aligns with the Pure Essence of Knowledge.

Achieving this state of Mahavideha is an advanced level of samadhi where the yogi experiences Pure Consciousness beyond material limitations. It implies a profound renunciation, as the yogi is detached from all mental constructs tied to physical identity and the material world. This elevated Awareness brings an unfettered connection with universal Consciousness, illuminating the True Nature of existence and Self beyond the veiling influence of bodily or worldly constraints.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"The mind in its foolishness thinks that it is working in this body. Why should I be bound by one system of nerves, and put the ego only in one body, if the mind is omnipresent? There is no reason why I should. The yogi wants to feel the ego wherever he likes. When he has succeeded in that, all covering to light goes away, and all darkness and ignorance vanish. Everything appears to him to be full of Knowledge."

Contextual Comparisons from Vedic Texts

Mandukya Upanishad, Verse 7

"नान्तःप्रज्ञं न बहिष्प्रज्ञं नोभयतःप्रज्ञं न प्रज्ञानघनं न प्रज्ञं नाप्रज्ञम्। अदृष्टमव्यवहार्यमग्राह्यमलक्षणं अचिन्त्यमव्यपदेश्यमेकात्मप्रत्ययसारं प्रपञ्चोपशमं शान्तं शिवमद्वैतं चतुर्थं मन्यन्ते स आत्मा स विज्ञेयः॥"

"It is neither inwardly aware nor outwardly aware, nor both inward and outwardly aware. It is not undifferentiated understanding, nor is it ignorance. It is unseen, beyond empirical dealings, incomprehensible, beyond all features, unthinkable, and unspeakable. It is the one Self that is the essence of Awareness, the cessation of all phenomena, tranquil, auspicious, and non-dual. This is the Self, and it is to be Realized."

In this verse, the Upanishad describes a state beyond all physical and mental distinctions, called the Fourth State Turya, akin to Patanjali’s description of "Mahavideha." Here, the Self is realized as non-dual and formless, suggesting a transcendent Consciousness that mirrors the disembodied, unconditioned state Patanjali describes.

Yoga Vashistha 6.1

"चिदाकाशे स्थिता दिव्या निर्विकल्पा महेश्वरी। यस्यां विश्वमिदं प्रोतमात्मज्ञानमहासुखम्॥"

"In the Divine space of Consciousness, there exists the Supreme Goddess beyond all distinctions, in whom this universe is pervaded, and who embodies the Supreme Bliss of Self-Knowledge."

The Yoga Vashistha speaks of a Supreme State of Consciousness that pervades all existence, likening it to the Bliss of Self-Knowledge. This is similar to the state Patanjali describes, where transcending bodily identity leads to an unobstructed awareness of True Knowledge, paralleling the "prakasha avarana kshaya" (the removal of the veil that covers True Knowledge).

Bhagavad Gita 6.20

"यत्रोपरमते चित्तं निरुद्धं योगसेवया। यत्र चैवात्मनात्मानं पश्यन्नात्मनि तुष्यति॥"

"When the mind, restrained by the practice of yoga, attains stillness, and when, seeing the Self by the Self, one is satisfied in the Self."

In this verse, the Gita describes the yogic experience of inner fulfillment and Self-Realization, achieved when the mind is no longer restless and merges into Pure Consciousness. This state aligns with Patanjali’s idea of transcending the bodily and mental limitations to Realize the Self fully, free from any obstructions that cloud True Knowledge.