Sūtra 3.43

Sanskrit text, Unicode transliteration and English translation of Sūtra 3.43:

बहिरकल्पिता वृत्तिर्महाविदेहा ततः प्रकाशावरणक्षयः ॥ ३.४३ ॥

bahirakalpitā vṛttirmahāvidehā tataḥ prakāśāvaraṇakṣayaḥ || 3.43 ||

43. The function independent of external functions is the great incorporeal. Therefrom the destruction of the covering of light.

The Rajamartanda commentary by King Bhoja:

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

[Sanskrit text for commentary available]

Another perfection.

[Read Sūtra 3.43]

That mental function which is out of the body, i.e., independent of it, is named the “great incorporeal” (Mahāvideha), because it is exclusive of the steadfastness of the relation between the body and egotism. “Therefrom,” from Saṃyama performed with reference to it, the destruction of the covering of light is effected, i.e., the covering consisting of afflictions, works, &c., which obstruct the light of the thinking principle centered in the quality of goodness alone, is removed. The meaning is this: The external functions of the thinking principle which result from the body and egotism are called factitious (kalpita). When, abandoning the feeling of body and egotism, there arises an independent (or self-reliant) mental function it is non-fictitious (akalpita). By performing Saṃyama with reference to it, all taints in the thinking principle of the Yogī are removed.

Notes and Extracts

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

[The covering produced by the qualities of foulness and darkness prevent the true light of the quality of goodness from being seen to perfection. If that covering be removed the vision is perfect. When retiring under this covering, which is no other than consciousness under the name of egotism, the mind entertains factitious ideas, and produces factitious works, which are consequently false. Divested of this covering it works differently, and whatever it produces is real. Saṃyama performed with reference to the relation existing between the body and egotism removes the covering, and thereby cleanses the thinking principle.]

Having thus described the different forms of perfection, including anterior destruction of objects, posterior destruction of objects, and the middle condition; having also explained the knowledge of the externals, regions, &c., of the internals, the formation of the body, of the powers of friendliness, &c., which effect particular objects; having, further, described the conditions of internal and external organs and such like expedients for meditation, as also the conditions of the vital airs, Prāṇa, &c., and other perfections for producing steadfastness in the thinking principle and earnestness in meditation; he now, with a view to point out the various means for the perfection of the seeded and the seedless meditations for the visual inspection of the soul, says,