Patanjali Yogasutra 3.46
रूपलावण्यबलवज्रसंहननत्वानि कायसम्पत् ॥ 46 ॥
"The perfection of the body is characterized by beauty, grace, strength, and diamond-like firmness."
In this Sutra, Patanjali addresses the qualities that arise as one progresses in yogic practice and attains mastery over the body. The term "कायसम्पत्" (kāyasampat) refers to the "perfection of the body." This perfection manifests through four qualities: "रूप" (rūpa, beauty or form), "लावण्य" (lāvaṇya, grace or charm), "बल" (bala, strength), and "वज्रसंहननत्व" (vajrasaṁhananatva, diamond-like firmness). Patanjali suggests that as the practitioner advances, they attain a physical state that exudes an aura of refinement and resilience. These qualities indicate a balanced and robust state, where the body becomes a vehicle for higher spiritual pursuits, less susceptible to physical ailments and wear.
The body’s transformation here is not only physical but also reflects a refinement of internal energies. The yogi's body, perfected through discipline, diet, and mental control, acquires a quality that surpasses ordinary physical attributes.
"Diamond-like firmness" symbolizes an unbreakable structure, a body that withstands both internal and external disturbances. This perfection reflects an integration of mind, body, and spirit, with each aspect strengthening the other in harmony. The body's beauty and grace, noted by others, emerge naturally rather than through deliberate physical training or enhancement, reflecting the purity and harmony achieved through yogic practice.
While these bodily qualities may seem physical, they are deeply spiritual in nature, serving as signs of a purified Consciousness that manifests as health and vitality. Patanjali’s emphasis here is not on external appearance but on the internal state of being that these qualities signify. The perfection of the body becomes an outward expression of the inner transformation that occurs in a committed yogic journey, highlighting that the path of yoga leads to holistic wellness rather than mere physical prowess or aesthetics.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"The body becomes indestructible; fire cannot injure it. Nothing can injure it. Nothing can destroy it until the yogi wishes. Breaking the rod of time he lives in this universe with his body. In the Vedas it is written that for that man there is no more disease, death or pain."
Comparison with Similar Verses in Vedic Texts
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.8
यदा पश्यः पश्यते रुक्मवर्णं कर्तारमीशं पुरुषं ब्रह्मयोनिम्।
तदा विद्वान् पुण्यपापे विधूय निरञ्जनः परमं साम्यमुपैति ॥
"When one perceives the luminous, golden-colored Creator, the Divine Purusha, the Source of Brahman, then the wise person, freed from both good and evil, attains Supreme Equality."
This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad describes the state of purity and brilliance that arises from spiritual attainment, similar to how the Yogasutra describes the perfected body. Here, purity and inner light are achieved through realization, not physical attributes, yet the effect is a radiant presence.
Bhagavad Gita 6.5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥
"One should lift oneself by one’s own mind and not degrade oneself. For the mind alone is the friend of the Self, and the mind alone is the enemy of the Self."
This verse speaks to the disciplined and self-regulated journey needed to overcome inner obstacles. It aligns with Patanjali’s view on body perfection, which is achieved through internal mastery and not merely external development, emphasizing the yogi's responsibility for their own evolution.
Yoga Vashistha, Book 4
देहोऽसि कांचनमयः सदा ज्ञानमयो भव।
नित्यं शुद्धः परः पूर्णः शान्तः साधकसत्तम ॥
"O great seeker, consider yourself as a body of pure gold, as Consciousness itself. Ever Pure, Supreme, and full, you remain in Peace."
This verse from the Yoga Vashistha aligns with Patanjali's concept of body perfection, where the yogi's body is likened to a precious substance, gold. This symbolizes Purity, strength, and a refined state of Consciousness, reinforcing the idea of a body perfected through the integration of wisdom and inner harmony, reflecting spiritual accomplishment as physical brilliance.
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