Chapter-3, Sutra 47

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.47

ग्रहणस्वरूपास्मितान्वयार्थवत्त्वसंयमादिन्द्रियजयः

"Through the practice of Samyama (combined discipline of concentration, meditation, and absorption) on the essential nature, inherent quality, ego-sense, interconnectedness, and purpose of the senses, mastery over the senses is attained."

In this Sutra, Patanjali guides the yogi toward attaining control over the senses, a significant milestone on the path of spiritual mastery. Samyama, the meditative discipline that incorporates concentration (dharana), meditation (dhyana), and deep absorption (samadhi), is applied to deeply understand the senses' nature and purpose. By focusing on the five aspects—grahana (perception or grasping), svarupa (true form), 

asmita (sense of identity or ego), anvaya (inherent connection), and arthavatva (purposefulness)—the practitioner sees beyond superficial sensory experience. This Inner Knowledge reveals how the senses bind us to the external world and the self, ultimately guiding the yogi to transcend their influence.

This Mastery over the senses does not mean negating sensory experience but involves achieving a level of understanding and control wherein the senses no longer dominate the mind or distract it from Higher Awareness. Patanjali explains that, through samyama, the yogi realizes that sensory experiences are limited and transient, ultimately leading to the awareness that the senses serve as tools for interaction with the external world but are not the essence of one's being. This understanding enables the practitioner to respond to sensory inputs with detachment and composure, moving beyond the habitual impulses that typically arise from sensory interactions.

The goal of this Mastery is to free the mind from the constraints of sensory impressions, enabling it to remain undisturbed and focused on spiritual pursuits. When the senses are fully understood and controlled, the yogi can focus on subtler aspects of Consciousness, thus progressing on the journey toward Self-Realization. This Inner Mastery not only elevates the yogi's state of mind but also reflects the true purpose of yoga—uniting the mind, body, and spirit in a harmonious state free from distractions or external influences.

Swami Vivekanand said:

"In perception of external objects, the organs leave their place in the mind and go towards the object; that is followed by knowledge and egoism. When the yogi makes samyama on these by gradation, he conquers the organs. Take up anything that you see or feel, a book, for instance, and first concentrate the mind on the thing itself. Then on the knowledge that it is in the form of a book, and then the ego that sees the book. By that practice all the organs will be conquered."

Comparative Verses from Other Texts

Bhagavad Gita 6.5

उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत्। आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः॥

"Let a person raise themselves by their own mind and not degrade themselves, for the mind alone is both friend and foe of the Self."

This verse emphasizes the idea of self-mastery, especially over one’s mind and inner tendencies. Similar to Patanjali's focus on sensory mastery, Krishna teaches that control over oneself, including the mind, determines whether it will act as a supportive friend or an adversarial force.

Katha Upanishad 1.3.3

आत्मानं रथिनं विद्धि शरीरं रथमेव तु। बुद्धिं तु सारथिं विद्धि मनः प्रग्रहमेव च॥

"Know the Self as the rider in the chariot, and the body as the chariot. Know the intellect as the charioteer, and the mind as the reins."

This Upanishadic verse presents the senses and mind as parts of a chariot guided by the intellect. Here, control over the senses (as represented by the horses) is necessary for the mind and intellect to move toward Self-Realization. The image aligns with Patanjali’s teaching that Mastery over the senses brings stability and balance on the spiritual journey.

Yoga Vashishta 5.14.30

इन्द्रियनिग्रहसंयुक्ता यत्र यत्र मनो यायात्। तत्र तत्र समाधाय संयोगं समुपादिशेत्॥

"When the mind is subdued and controlled along with the senses, wherever it wanders, it is brought to a state of union through absorption."

In the Yoga Vashishta, control of the senses and the mind are prerequisites for achieving union with the Higher Self, similar to Patanjali's concept of samyama. This verse highlights that Mastery of the mind and senses allows a yogi to remain undistracted, bringing the mind back into alignment with one’s spiritual focus.

These comparative texts reinforce the importance of sense mastery as a critical component of spiritual discipline, supporting Patanjali’s assertion that true control over the senses is achieved through disciplined awareness and understanding, facilitating a higher connection with the Self.