Sūtra 3.36

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of Sūtra 3.36:

ततः प्रातिभश्रावणवेदनादर्शास्वादवार्ता जायन्ते ॥ ३.३६ ॥

tataḥ prātibhaśrāvaṇavedanādarśāsvādavārtā jāyante || 3.36 ||

36. Thence proceed intuition, audition, taction, vision, gustation and olfaction.

The Rajamartanda commentary by King Bhoja:

[English translation of the 11th century commentary by Bhoja called the Rājamārtaṇḍa]

[Sanskrit text for commentary available]

He now describes the fruits of this Saṃyama.

[Read Sūtra 3.34]

“Thence,” from performing Saṃyama in the said quality of goodness, or practising it; even in the waking state these faculties are produced. Thereof “intuition” (Prātibha) is the knowledge already described (A. XXXIII) on the manifestation of which minute objects become visible.

“Audition” (Śrāvaṇa) is the knowledge produced in the organ of hearing. Therefrom the highest celestial sound, or that which is produced in the heaven, becomes audible.

“Taction” (Vedanā) is the knowledge produced by the organ of touch. That by which is known that a thing exists (vidyati anayā) is Vedanā; it is a Tantric term which has been used here. Therefrom proceeds the knowledge of such celestial things as are subjects of touch.

“Vision” (Ādarśa) is that knowledge which is produced by the organ of sight. Whereby is seen (dṛśyati) or perceived thoroughly what every form is, is ādarśa. When it is in its full development a knowledge of celestial forms is produced by it.

“Gustation” (Āsvāda) is the knowledge produced by the organ of taste. That by which a thing is tasted (āsvādati aneneti) is āsvāda, and on its full development a perception of celestial taste is produced.

“Olfaction” (Vārtā) is the sensation of smell. In Tantric terminology the word vṛtti means the organ of smelling; that in which resides (vaṛttate) the objects of smell (is vṛtti) and that which proceeds from that organ of smell is Vārtā, i.e., the sensation of smell. When that becomes fully developed celestial smells become perceptible.

Notes and Extracts

[Notes and comparative extracts from other commentaries on the Yogasūtra]

[This aphorism explains the collateral advantages of performing Saṃyama with reference to the soul. These advantages are superior or transcendental powers in the organs of sense. Nor are those powers confined to the meditative state; when once acquired, they are retained permanently, and even in his ordinary worldly waking state the Yogī can exercise them, so that in his ordinary faculties he becomes infinitely superior to common mortals.]

Of these different fruits he now describes the respective provinces.