Patanjali Yoga Sutras

III -VIBHUTI PADA                                              
The sutras of  the third chapter focus on the achieved union and its result. The term  'vibhuti' denotes manifestation or residue and this Pada delineates all the  accomplishments or Siddhis or powers which come as the result of regular yoga  practices dealt with above.

The practices,  which have been stressed in the Vibhuti Pada are the final three limbs of  Ashtanga Yoga: dharana (concentration), dhyana (meditation), and samadhi  (contemplation), the amalgamated practice of which is known as samyama and this  samyama should always be on one and the same object.

This chapter  deals with the techniques of practising samyama. The various kinds of knowledge  or siddhis or occult powers such as thought reading, powers to become atom-like  or huge in size, walking on water, disappearance from sight, understanding the  language of animals and birds etc. that might be obtained by practicing this  yogic technique  have been described.

Patanjali  however clearly cautions that such powers should not be sought as they are  likely to be misused and can turn the seeker away from the real goal of  practising Yoga. It is stressed that knowledge is power and the techniques of  utilizing such potency should always be for the best possible universal welfare  and the good of the mankind.
   
IV - KAIVALYA PADA
Kaivalya, which  is the ultimate goal of yoga, means solitariness or detachment. The sutras of  the fourth and the last chapter deal with impressions left by our endless  cycles of birth and the rationale behind the necessity of erasing such  impressions. It portrays the yogi, who has attained kaivalya, as an entity who  has gained independence from all bondages and achieved the absolute true  consciousness. When all the vrittis or modifications of the mind are controlled  the true nature of the Purusha or the Self is revealed.

Conclusion
The Yogadarshana  is not only ancient but practical. It is appreciated by philosophers and  scientists alike. Modern psychologists are also finding its utility in curing  stress related mental problems. Methods and techniques detailed in the Yoga  Sutras of Patanjali contribute largely to the holistic well-being of an individual  and the welfare of the society as a whole. This is the reason for the  world-wide popularity and acceptance of the Yoga system. It may be noted that next  to Bhagavad Gita, Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras are the most widely translated  Sanskrit scripture in the world.

Harih  Om