Yoga Sutra 3.44 | Bahirakalpitā vṛttir mahāvidehā tataḥ prakāśāvaraṇakṣayaḥ

Yoga Sutra 3.44 in Context

Sanskrit Text:

बहिरकल्पिता वृत्तिर्महाविदेहा ततः प्रकाशावरणक्षयः।
(Bahirakalpitā vṛttir mahāvidehā tataḥ prakāśāvaraṇakṣayaḥ.)

Literal Translation:

“When the mental modifications (vṛtti) are external and unimagined, this is called the great disembodied state (mahāvidehā). From this, the veil over inner illumination (prakāśāvaraṇa) is destroyed.”

In Yoga Sutra 3.44, Patanjali introduces the concept of mahāvidehā or the “great disembodied state,” where the yogi’s consciousness transcends the body and operates beyond physical limitations. This heightened state of awareness leads to the dissolution of any obscurations (prakāśāvaraṇa) covering the yogi’s inner light or pure consciousness.

Historical and Cultural Significance

• The Concept of Mahāvidehā:
  Mahāvidehā refers to a state where the practitioner’s mind operates independently of the body, allowing for profound spiritual experiences. Ancient commentators like Vyasa explain this as the yogi’s ability to transcend material existence and access pure consciousness.
• Dissolution of the Veil of Illumination:
  The term prakāśāvaraṇa represents the obscurations or veils that limit the yogi’s inner light. These veils arise from mental distractions, attachments, and ignorance (avidyā). Entering the mahāvidehā state removes these obstructions, revealing the clarity of the Self.
• Universal Themes of Transcendence and Illumination:
  The idea of transcending the body to access inner light resonates with various spiritual traditions. For example, in Buddhist teachings, the practice of samadhi also leads to the dissolution of ignorance and the realization of pure awareness.

Guidelines for Students

• Practicing Meditation to Transcend the Body:
  Students are encouraged to focus on refining their meditative practice to enter states of deep absorption where they experience awareness beyond physical sensations. This process nurtures detachment from bodily limitations.
• Observing and Dissolving Mental Modifications:
  By observing their thoughts and releasing attachments to them, students can reduce mental fluctuations and access the profound stillness necessary for the mahāvidehā state.
• Focusing on Inner Illumination:
  This sutra inspires practitioners to use their meditation practice to dissolve the veils of ignorance, fostering clarity and alignment with their true nature.

Insights and Strategies for Teachers

• Explaining the State of Mahāvidehā:
  Help students understand mahāvidehā as a state of disembodied awareness, illustrating how meditation allows them to transcend physical limitations and access higher states of consciousness.
• Guiding Meditation Practices:
  Lead students in meditations focused on detachment from the physical body and the observation of mental modifications. Practices such as yoga nidra or deep visualization can support their progress.
• Inspiring Students to Cultivate Inner Clarity:
  Share teachings that emphasize the importance of dissolving mental veils and accessing inner light. Swami Sivananda beautifully remarked,

“When the mind transcends the body, the light of truth shines unimpeded.“

Philosophical and Practical Takeaways

• Yoga Sutra 3.44 emphasizes the transformative power of transcending physical limitations and dissolving mental veils to access inner illumination. This practice symbolizes the profound potential of the yogic journey.
• For students, this sutra provides insight into the connection between meditation, detachment, and illumination, inspiring them to pursue deeper states of awareness. For teachers, it highlights the importance of guiding students toward transcendence and self-realization.
• As Swami Krishnananda beautifully stated, “In the great disembodied state, the yogi discovers the boundless light of the Self.“

Yoga Sutra 3.44 invites practitioners to explore the path of transcendence, using their meditation practice to dissolve obscurations and align with their inner radiance.

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