Chapter-3, Sutra 45

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.45

 ततोऽणिमादिप्रादुर्भावः कायसम्पत्तद्धर्मानभिघातश्च || 3.45 ||

"Through Mastery over the elements, the yogi attains powers such as becoming as small as an atom (aṇimā) and other perfections, along with physical perfection, beauty, grace, strength, and resilience, free from the effects of opposing forces."

In this Sutra, Patanjali speaks of the extraordinary powers (aṇimā, etc.) that arise through mastery over the mahabhutas or five great elements (earth, water, fire, air, and ether). This power, aṇimā, refers to the ability to become incredibly small, even as tiny as an atom. Other powers, such as mahima (becoming very large), 

garima (becoming very heavy), and laghima (becoming very light), also come from this deep understanding and control over the elements. Such capabilities emphasize that by penetrating into the nature of these elements, the yogi gains a profound connection with the fabric of reality, leading to supernormal abilities.

The Sutra also mentions "kāya sampat," or the perfection of the body. This doesn’t only imply physical beauty but also a resilient, harmonious, and disease-free body that mirrors the purity of the yogi’s mind. The body becomes a perfect vessel for spiritual practice, embodying health, radiance, and vigor. With the Mastery over elements, the yogi becomes immune to external disturbances or afflictions that typically affect others, such as aging, injury, or disease, creating a near-ideal state for furthering spiritual pursuits.

Patanjali’s emphasis on these extraordinary powers comes with a caution in previous sutras: while these powers are signs of advanced Mastery, they are also potential distractions. They are not the Ultimate Goal of yoga. The true aim remains Realization (kaivalya), or the Union of individual Consciousness with the Divine. These powers are to be used wisely, with awareness, as they arise naturally through mastery but are not the final destination.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"This means that the yogi has attained the eight powers. He can make himself as light as a particle, he can make himself huge, as heavy as the earth, or as light as the air; he will rule everything he wants, he will conquer everything he wants, a lion will sit at his feet like a lamb, and all his desires be fulfilled at will."

Comparative Verses from Other Texts

Bhagavad Gita 10.19

 पृथिव्यां चान्तरिक्षे च महिमानं ह्यनन्तकम् ।

अणुमानं च तत्रान्यं विद्धि प्राकृतिमेव च ॥

"Know, Arjuna, that the powers over the physical and ethereal realms are infinite, including the smallest of the small (aṇumāna) and the Supreme beyond Nature."

In this verse, Krishna hints at the limitless potential of Divine Consciousness, which includes both the microcosmic and macrocosmic abilities. Here, the mention of “aṇumāna” resembles the concept of aṇimā in the Yogasutras, indicating the capability to attain an atomic or expanded state, depending on the spiritual accomplishment of the individual. It reinforces the idea that these powers arise from deep union with the cosmic forces.

Yoga Vashishta 3.30.35

 यथाभिमतो रूपं स्वच्छन्दगमनं तथा ।

यस्य विज्ञानिनो देहे स्थितं तस्य यथेष्टतः ॥

"For the enlightened one, the body assumes any desired form, and he can move freely at will. The body of one established in wisdom is completely under his control."

The Yoga Vashishta similarly speaks of a yogi's Mastery over the physical body, describing it as capable of assuming any desired shape or movement. This resonates with Patanjali’s kāya sampat, where the body attains extraordinary capabilities. This Mastery reflects not only physical control but a deep mental command, whereby the yogi’s body becomes an instrument for higher pursuits.

Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 3.7.23

स वा एष महानज आत्मा योऽयं विज्ञानमयः प्राणेषु ।

एष ह्यन्तर्याम्योऽमृतः सर्वेषां भूतेषु गूढः ॥

"This great, unborn Self, full of knowledge, is present in all beings as the inner ruler, immortal and hidden."

The Brihadaranyaka Upanishad speaks to the concept of an indwelling Consciousness that is “unborn” and “immortal,” which permeates all beings. Although not directly about physical powers, it speaks of an underlying presence that brings forth such capabilities, connecting all forms of life. Mastery over the elements, as Patanjali suggests, aligns with understanding this Inner Self, bringing forth control over the body and mind, and thus accessing Divine qualities.

Each of these verses aligns with the idea that Spiritual Mastery brings about control over the physical and metaphysical realms, leading to states of perfection or special abilities. 

However, they also emphasize that these powers are secondary to the Ultimate Realization of Oneness with the Divine.