From the mastery of saṃyama arises the light of wisdom.

Jaya is conquest, mastery. Prajñā is direct wisdom, intuitive knowledge. Āloka is light, illumination.

When the yogī masters saṃyama, prajñā arises: a type of knowledge that comes neither from reasoning nor memory, but from direct perception of reality.

This light of wisdom illuminates what was previously hidden. It reveals the intimate nature of whatever saṃyama is applied to.

It is important to note that Patañjali does not speak of faith or belief, but of a verifiable method. Apply saṃyama to X, obtain knowledge of X. It is almost scientific in its formulation.

The following sutras will detail specific applications. But this sutra establishes the general principle: saṃyama is the tool, prajñā is the result.

The yogī who masters saṃyama has access to knowledge beyond the reach of ordinary senses.