Patanjali Yogasutra 4.29
प्रसंख्यानेऽप्यकुसीदस्य सर्वथा विवेकख्यातेर्धर्ममेघः समाधिः |
"Even for one who is not attached to the highest Wisdom (prasankhyana), when there is steadfast discernment (vivekakhyati) in every respect, the culmination is Dharma-Megha Samadhi."
This Sutra introduces a unique state of Samadhi, called "Dharma-Megha," or the "cloud of virtue." It signifies the Ultimate State of meditative absorption where all previous
karmas (accumulated impressions) are dissolved, and the practitioner becomes completely free from afflictions. The term "prasankhyana" refers to the highest intellectual understanding, which, even though significant, is transcended in this stage. The phrase "vivekakhyateh" indicates unwavering discernment between Purusha (Pure Consciousness) and Prakriti (material Nature), a hallmark of this elevated state. This Samadhi rains down "dharma" (righteousness), symbolizing the manifestation of Truth and the cessation of all unnecessary mental constructs.
Dharma-Megha Samadhi is described as the Ultimate Goal of the yogic path, marking the practitioner’s complete
kaivalya. Here, even the subtlest desires for intellectual or spiritual attainment are relinquished. This verse emphasizes a state where the yogi no longer operates for personal gain or accomplishment but is instead an instrument of universal harmony. The "cloud of virtue" metaphor suggests that, just as a raincloud provides water indiscriminately, the liberated yogi spreads Wisdom and Grace selflessly.
This Sutra underscores the transition from intellectual Realization to experiential Realization. It reminds practitioners that true enlightenment transcends even the Highest Knowledge or Spiritual achievements.
It also conveys that Realization requires unwavering discernment and a complete surrender to Universal Truths. The state of Dharma-Megha Samadhi is one of effortless Being, where the yogi aligns perfectly with cosmic order, embodying purity and selflessness.
Swami Vivekanand said:
"When the yogi has attained to this discrimination, all these powers will come that were mentioned in the last chapter, but the true yogi rejects them all. Unto him comes a peculiar Knowledge, a particular light called the dharma megha, the cloud of virtue. All the great prophets of the world whom history has recorded had this. They had found the whole foundation of Knowledge within themselves. Truth to them had become Real. Peace and calmness, and perfect Purity became their own nature, after they had given up all these vanities of powers."
Contextual Comparisons with Other Vedic Texts
Bhagavad Gita 2.45
त्रैगुण्यविषया वेदा निस्त्रैगुण्यो भवार्जुन।
निर्द्वन्द्वो नित्यसत्त्वस्थो निर्योगक्षेम आत्मवान्॥
"The Vedas deal with the three modes of material nature. Rise above these modes, O Arjuna. Be free from all dualities and established in the Self, beyond acquisition and preservation."
This verse resonates with the theme of transcending all modes and worldly desires, similar to Dharma-Megha Samadhi. Just as the Gita advises rising above material entanglements, the Yoga Sutra describes freedom from even spiritual attachments in the Ultimate State.
Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.8
भिद्यते हृदयग्रन्थिश्छिद्यन्ते सर्वसंशयाः।
क्षीयन्ते चास्य कर्माणि तस्मिनदृष्टे परावरे॥
"When the knots of the heart are destroyed, all doubts are dispelled, and one’s karma is exhausted, the vision of the Supreme is attained."
This verse parallels the state described in 4.29, where karma is dissolved, and Realization is achieved. It highlights the culmination of spiritual practice as the removal of ignorance and bondage, akin to the Purity and Freedom of Dharma-Megha Samadhi.
Yoga Vashishta Chapter 18
चित्तं प्रह्लादसंयुक्तं सुखबोधविवर्जितम्।
तदेव ब्रह्मरूपेण परिनिष्ठाति योगिनाम्॥
"The mind, filled with Bliss and devoid of any conceptual distinctions, becomes one with Brahman, the Ultimate Reality."
This verse aligns with the concept of merging with Universal Truth, as seen in Dharma-Megha Samadhi. It reflects the culmination of yogic practice in the transcendence of mental distinctions and unification with Higher Consciousness.
Patanjali’s 4.29 Sutra encapsulates the pinnacle of yogic practice, emphasizing the importance of discernment and selflessness. The parallels drawn from other texts underscore its universality in Vedic philosophy, highlighting the transcendence of ego and Realization of Cosmic Unity as the Ultimate Spiritual Goal.
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