• Support Me
  • English
  • Español
Simple YogaSimple YogaSimple YogaSimple Yoga
  • New videos
  • Classes
  • Yoga Retreats
    • Yoga in Tuscany
    • Retreats Terms and Conditions
  • Yoga Philosophy
    • Read
    • Listen
    • Chant
      • Chant the Yoga Sutras: Chapter 1
      • Chant the Yoga Sutras: Chapter 2
      • Chant the Yoga Sutras: Chapter 3
      • Chant the Yoga Sutras: Chapter 4
  • Practice
    • Meditation
    • Simple Meditations CD
    • Yoga Here+Now DVD
    • Free Yoga Videos
    • Articles
  • About
    • Contact
3.45 Mastery over elements
March 14, 2022
3.47 Body perfections
March 26, 2022

3.46 Powers, Perfection and Immunity

March 14, 2022
Categories
  • All Articles
  • Chapter Three
  • Exploring the Yoga Sutras
  • Yoga Sutras
  • Yoga Sutras explained
Tags

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
Patanjali Yoga Sutra 3.45

If you prefer, you may listen to the podcast:

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

If you find Simple-Yoga.org and Unravel the thread useful, consider supporting my labor with a donation, you may also donate using PayPal or Venmo. Thank you!

Share
0

Related posts

January 30, 2023

Presence


Read more
January 23, 2023

Y.O.G.A. S.I.M.P.L.E.


Read more
January 16, 2023

Yoga Sutra Summary of Chapter 4


Read more

What are you looking for?

Explore by Topic

  • All Articles
  • All Topics
  • Breathing
  • Chants
  • Chapter Four
  • Chapter One
  • Chapter Three
  • Chapter Two
  • Dance of Shiva
  • Exploring the Yoga Sutras
  • General
  • Lifestyle
  • Meditation
  • Movement
  • Nutrition and Health
  • Podcast
  • Videos
  • Yoga
  • Yoga Poses
  • Yoga Sutras
  • Yoga Sutras explained

Articles Archive

Subscribe to Newsletter
© Ruben Vasquez. All Rights Reserved.
Website by DirectiveGroup
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
  • Support Me
  • English
  • Español