Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, Book III · 43 of 55 · tr. Charles Johnston
Sutra 43
When that condition of consciousness s reached, which is far-reaching and not confined to the body, which is outside the body and not conditioned by it, then the veil which conceals the light is worn away. Perhaps the best comment on this is afforded by the words of Paul: 'I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such a one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable [or, unspoken] words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.' The condition is, briefly, that of the awakened spiritual man, who sees and hears beyond the veil.
§ Ask Guru about this passage →Themes
Body As Obstacleanthropology
The material body viewed as a prison, tomb, or source of error that hinders spiritual knowledge and return.
The passage explicitly states that the condition is outside the body and not conditioned by it, implying the body hinders true consciousness.
All passages →Cosmic Consciousnessanthropology
A state of awareness transcending ordinary human consciousness, often involving unity with the universe or higher dimensions.
The awakened spiritual man sees and hears beyond the veil of ordinary perception.
All passages →Divine Lighttheology
The uncreated luminous quality of the divine, sometimes experienced directly in mystical states; illumination as revelation.
The text explicitly mentions 'the light' that is worn away by the veil and heard beyond it.
All passages →Hidden Sayingssoteriology
Esoteric teachings reserved for those ready to receive them; outer meaning conceals an inner liberating truth.
The text references 'unspeakable [or, unspoken] words' that are not lawful to utter.
All passages →Spiritual Ascentpraxis
A staged journey of the soul upward through heavenly realms or levels of being toward the divine source.
The passage references being 'caught up to the third heaven' and hearing words beyond ordinary utterance.
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