Читать книгу Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali - Литагент HarperCollins USD - Страница 42

Patañjali guides the refined sadhaka in tracing the movements, order and sequence of each action and thought that arises. By retracing his steps through yogic discipline, the sadhaka coordinates his thoughts and actions so that there is no time gap between them. When there is absolute synchronicity of thought and action, the yogi is freed from the material limitations of time and space and this generates extraordinary powers. Patañjali describes these powers as vibhutis, or properties, of yoga.

The properties of yoga are many. Experiencing even one of their extraordinary effects is an indication that the sadhaka is on the right path in his practice of yoga. However, see the next section, ‘Caution’, on page 37.

1 He begins to know the past and future

2 He understands the language of all people, birds and animals

3 He knows his past and future lives

4 He reads the minds of others

5 If necessary, he can define even the precise details of what is in the minds of others

6 He becomes invisible at will

7 He can arrest the senses: hearing, touch, sight, taste and smell

8 He knows the exact time of his death by intuition or through omens

9 He is friendly and compassionate to all

10 He becomes strong as an elephant and his movements are as graceful as a peacock

11 He clearly sees objects near and far, gross and fine, and concealed

12 He knows the working of the solar system

13 He knows the functions of the lunar system and through that, the position of the galaxies

14 He reads the movements of stars from the pole star and predicts world events

15 He knows his body and its orderly functions

16 He conquers hunger and thirst

17 He makes his body and mind immobile like a tortoise

18 He has visions of perfected beings, teachers and masters

19 He has the power to perceive anything and everything

20 He becomes aware of the properties of consciousness

21 By knowing the properties of consciousness he uses consciousness to light the lamp of the soul

22 Divine faculties which are beyond the range of ordinary senses come to him because of his enlightened soul

23 He leaves his body consciously and enters others’ bodies at will

24 He walks over water, swamp and thorns

25 He creates fire at will

26 He hears distant sounds

27 He levitates

28 He frees himself from afflictions at will and often lives without a body

29 He controls nature’s constituents, qualities and purposes

30 He becomes lord of the elements and their counterparts

31 He possesses an excellent body with grace, strength, perfect complexion and lustre

32 He has perfect control over his senses and mind, and their contact with the lower self or the ‘I’ consciousness

33 He transforms body, senses, mind, intelligence and consciousness to utmost sharpness and speed in tune with his very soul

34 He gains dominion over all creation and all knowledge