Mastering the Mind and Senses - The Path of the Perfect Yogi
The concept of a "perfect yogi" in the Vedic tradition extends far beyond physical health or mental relaxation. It describes a state of existence where the living entity has gained complete control over the subtle and gross elements of material nature. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that while the intermediate stages of yoga involve remarkable mystic powers, the ultimate perfection is found in the unalloyed service of the Supreme Lord, where the mind becomes an unwavering instrument of divine consciousness.
Mystic Perfections and the Eight Siddhis
A perfect yogi is an expert in eight kinds of mystic perfections (aṣṭa-siddhi). These powers allow the yogi to manipulate material energy in ways that appear miraculous to the common man, such as becoming smaller than an atom or larger than a mountain. Figures like Kardama Muni and Durvāsā Muni are cited as historical examples of those who could travel throughout the universe using these powers.
- A perfectly successful yogi is expert in eight kinds of perfection. By the anima-siddhi, he can become smaller than an atom, and in that state he can enter anywhere. With this yogic power, Indra entered the womb of Diti while she was pregnant.
- For a perfect yogi, there are eight kinds of superachievements: one can become lighter than air, one can become smaller than the atom, one can become bigger than a mountain, one can achieve whatever he desires, one can control like the Lord, and so on.
- From material point of view, a perfect yogi can counteract anything, and whatever he likes, he can do. That is called siddhi, asta-siddhi. But still, he is not as siddha as Krsna. Krsna's name is Yogesvara. He is the master of all the yogis.
- In the Siddhalokas there are perfected beings or yogis who can travel wherever they want without the aid of airplanes or other mechanical contrivances. Once we are liberated from material conditioning, we can become very powerful.
Command Over Death and Planetary Travel
One of the most significant hallmarks of a perfect yogi is the ability to leave the material body at will. Rather than being subject to the laws of nature at the time of death, the perfected yogi can choose the opportune moment and destination for the soul's next journey, whether it be to a higher material planet or the spiritual sky.
- A perfect yogi can have command over death and quit the body at the right moment, when he is competent to transfer himself to a suitable planet.
- For the perfect yogi who has attained success in the method of leaving his body in perfect consciousness, transferring from one planet to another is as easy as an ordinary man's walking to the grocery store.
- Perfect yogi, they control the prana-vayu in such a way that by their sweet will they can transfer themselves through the prana-vayu in different planets.
- Yogis who have attained perfection are not subject to death by natural laws; such perfect yogis can leave the body whenever they desire.
The Discipline of the Mind and Senses
The true foundation of yoga is not physical but mental. Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that even a very advanced yogi can fall down if the mind remains restless, as seen in the history of Viśvāmitra Muni. Therefore, the perfect yogi is one who is so well-disciplined that material desires no longer disturb the consciousness.
- A perfect yogi is so well disciplined in the activities of the mind that he can no longer be disturbed by any kind of material desire. This perfectional stage can automatically be attained by persons in Krsna consciousness.
- Due to a restless mind, even a very advanced yogi can fall down. The mind is so restless that it induces even a perfect yogi to be controlled by the senses.
- Even Visvamitra, a great sage and perfect yogi, was misled by Menaka into sex enjoyment, although the yogi was endeavoring for sense control with severe types of penance and yoga practice.
- One who is fully satisfied in knowledge obtained and practically applied in life, who is always determined and fixed in his spiritual position, who completely controls his senses, stones and gold on the same level is understood to be a perfect yogi.
The Kṛṣṇa Conscious Devotee as the Topmost Yogi
The ultimate conclusion of the Bhagavad-gītā is that the devotee who always thinks of Kṛṣṇa is the greatest of all yogis. Unlike those who hanker for mystic perfections to gain popularity, the devotee seeks only Kṛṣṇa's satisfaction. This state of unalloyed service protects the practitioner from the pitfalls of the restless mind and leads directly to the spiritual world.
- A devotee can immediately become a perfect yogi because he practices keeping Krsna constantly within the core of his heart. This is another way to practice yoga easily.
- As soon as one always thinks of Krsna, he becomes a perfect yogi, as confirmed in Bhagavad-gita (yoginam api sarvesam mad-gatenantaratmana (BG 6.47)). This antaratma, the mind, is conditioned by material nature.
- The living entity who acts for satisfaction of the supreme whole and not for personal satisfaction is the perfect sannyasi, the perfect yogi.
- Since the perfect yogi tries to broadcast the importance of becoming Krsna conscious, he is the best philanthropist in the world, and he is the dearest servitor of the Lord. Na tasmat kascid me priyakrt tamah.
Conclusion
The path of the perfect yogi is an ascending journey from the control of breath and posture to the absolute mastery of the mind and the attainment of mystic siddhis. Yet, Śrīla Prabhupāda makes it clear that these perfections are merely by-products of the spiritual journey. The true goal of yoga is the fixed concentration of the mind on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. By practicing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, a person becomes a perfect yogi automatically, gaining the ability to transcend material miseries, view all beings with equality, and eventually return to the spiritual world in a state of eternal knowledge and bliss.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Perfect Yogi. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.