Vibhuti Pada

The third section of Yoga Sutra entitled Vibhuti Pada tells of the miraculous powers attained by a sadhaka. When he has ascended all the eight levels of yoga through rigorous practice the sadhaka begins to experience what may be called supra-normal powers. 

He has become a true yogi – one who has ascended to the highest spiritual strata of yoga. To him such powers known as vibhutis are but normal in his newly gained sensitivity and intelligence. 

But, a yogi who gets allured by the pleasures and glories that could be indulged in with the aid of these newfound powers will meet with downfall. The yogi should view the vibhuti he experiences as only a proof of the yoga system’s infallibility.

Patanjali warns against the lure of temptation and advises yogis to develop worldly detachment. This would pave the way to another state of yoga known as kaivalya or absolute liberation.