3.46 Powers, Perfection and Immunity

3.46 As a result, extraordinary powers, perfection of the body and immunity from the elements.

According to the traditional commentaries, the samyama technique presented in the previous sutra results in eight extraordinary powers (siddhis) including the abilities to become minute (anima), become light (laghima), become large (mahima), reach anything regardless of how far it may be (prapti), unrestrained will, like being able to merge into the earth or water (prakamya), control over the elements (vashitva), mastery of the elements to make them appear or disappear (ishitrittva), and omnipotence – the power to make anything happen according to whatever is desired (yatrakamavasaitva). In addition, the body of the practitioner becomes immune to the effects of the elements. This is a humbling aphorism for most practitioners as it puts into perspective what might be possible through advanced yoga practice. Moreover, the commentaries all indicate how, despite acquiring all of these powers, the yogi refrains from upsetting the cosmic order. This can be an excellent reminder that whatever powers may be obtained, they are all related to each individual’s previous actions (karma) and life purpose (dharma). As you reflect on your own practice and your life, can you see any changes indicating that you are growing in your humanity?

As usual, one more way of exploring the meaning of this sutra is by chanting it.
You can choose to chant it in its traditional form with some of the words coming together:

3.46 tato’ṇimādiprādurbhāvaḥ kāyasaṃpat taddharmānabhighātaś ca
ततोऽणिमादिप्रादुर्भावः कायसंपत् तद्धर्मानभिघातश् च ॥४६॥

Another option is to chant each word in the sutra individually:

• tataḥ
• aṇima
• ādi
• prādur
• bhāvaḥ
• kāya
• saṃpat
• tat
• dharma
• anabhighātaḥ
• ca

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This is an excerpt from the book Unravel the thread: Applying the ancient wisdom of yoga to live a happy life

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