Chapter-3, Sutra 44

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.44 

स्थूलस्वरूपसूक्ष्मान्वयार्थवत्त्वसंयमाद्भूतजयः

"Through the practice of samyama (intense focus and meditation) on the gross, essential, subtle, inherent, and purposive aspects of the elements, mastery over them is attained."

In this Sutra, Patanjali discusses the potential that arises from practicing samyama, on the different aspects of the elements—starting from their gross physical forms, moving to their subtler qualities, underlying essence, interrelations, and ultimate purpose—one can transcend ordinary perception and gain complete mastery over these elements. This mastery is referred to as "bhutajaya," where one can control and interact with the elements in ways that surpass the limitations of the physical world, illustrating the possibilities of yogic powers (siddhis) that unfold with advanced practice.

The Sutra can be understood as a method for a yogi to transcend the constraints of physicality. By deeply contemplating the physical structure, subtle essence, and interconnectedness of all material elements, one can eventually move beyond their influence. This mastery leads not only to freedom from material dependencies but also to an ability to influence or command these elements. This influence is not for worldly gain but rather to align with the natural order, understanding and interacting with the universe from a Higher State of Awareness. Patanjali emphasizes that such powers should be approached with wisdom and detachment, as they are merely milestones on the path to Ultimate Realization.

In a broader sense, this Sutra illustrates the journey of inner refinement that yoga represents. By concentrating on progressively subtler aspects of Reality, a yogi realizes that the world of forms is a manifestation of deeper truths. Mastery over the elements is a metaphor for mastering one's own nature and illusions. It highlights that freedom comes from understanding the elemental composition of both the universe and the Self, ultimately dissolving the distinctions between the two. Hence, this Sutra speaks to a profound Unity with creation, a harmony achieved by perceiving beyond superficial appearances.

Comparison with Other Vedic Texts:

Mundaka Upanishad 2.1.2

"तदेतत्सत्यं यथा सुदीप्तात्पावकाद्विस्फुलिङ्गाः सहस्रशः प्रभवन्ते सरूपाः। तथा अक्षरात्संभावतीह विश्वं…"

"As from a blazing fire, sparks of its own nature come forth by the thousands, so from the Immutable, all diverse beings emerge."

Here, the Mundaka Upanishad describes how all beings arise from the eternal, much like sparks from a fire. This resembles Patanjali’s idea of understanding the elemental composition of the universe as manifestations of a singular, fundamental Reality. Both the Sutra and this Upanishadic verse point to the interconnectedness and shared essence of all forms in the universe.

Bhagavad Gita 7.4

"भूमिरापोऽनलो वायुः खं मनो बुद्धिरेव च। अहंकार इतीयं मे भिन्ना प्रकृतिरष्टधा॥"

"Earth, water, fire, air, ether, mind, intellect, and ego—these are the eightfold divisions of My material energy."

In this verse, Krishna enumerates the primary elements that constitute material Reality, which a yogi can seek to master. Similar to Patanjali’s approach in Yogasutra 3.44, this verse breaks down the material world into its core components, encouraging the yogi to understand and eventually transcend them as part of spiritual progress.

Yoga Vashistha, Chapter 6

"चित्ते निःस्पन्दतामाप्ते कुतोऽन्यस्य प्रवर्तनम्। स्थूलसूक्ष्मात्मिकं सर्वं विरामं याति चेतसि॥"

"When the mind becomes still, free from movement, where is there room for anything else? All gross and subtle things come to rest in such a mind."

In the Yoga Vashistha, it is emphasized that mastery over one’s mind can bring about a cessation of both gross and subtle forms. This is closely related to Patanjali’s notion of bhutajaya, suggesting that when the mind has transcended the distractions of both gross and subtle aspects of elements, a state of true Mastery is achieved.