Patanjali's begins to identify the accomplishments which come to the aspirant
Verse 3.15
क्रमान्यत्वं परिणामान्यतेवे हेतुः ॥१५॥
kramānyatvaṁ pariṇāmānyateve hetuḥ ॥15॥
Successive sequential changes cause the distinctive changes in the consciousness.
Verse 3.16
परिणामत्रयसंयमाततीतानागत ज्ञानम् ॥१६॥
pariṇāmatraya-saṁyamāt-atītānāgata jñānam ॥16॥
By mastery of the three transformations of nature (dharma), quality (lakshana) and condition (avastha) , through samyama on the nirodha, samadhi, and ekagrata states of consciousness, the yogi acquires knowledge of the past and the future.
Differences in changes in consciousness are caused by the changing order of sequence In the method of practice.
According to the sequence of practice, distinct transformations take place.
In yoga practice a regular sequence must also be followed. The sadhaka first acquires restraint in consciousness (nirodha parinama) in order to experience tranquillity (samadhi parinama) . Then he proceeds towards the 'one without a second', the seer (ekagrata parinama). Only then does he become a fulfilled yogi (krtarthan)
There is a logic to the involutionary spiritual journey, just as there is in the growth of a plant from seed, to stem, to bud, to flower, to fruit. The original, pure consciousness which we trace through Patanjali's method is the seed of transformation in oneself. Our own self is the maker of our own spiritual destiny.
Now Patanjali's explains the properties of yoga, commonly known as supernatural powers, which accrue by transformations of consciousness.
In 3.14, the words santa (appeasement) , udita (generation) and avyapadesya (non-manifestation) were used for the past, present and future.
3 .15 verse speaks of the order of sequence from the source (dharmi) , involving time and effort for transformation. By following this order, the sadhaka observes the natural flow of the present moving into the past, to manifest later as the future, and thereby gains mastery over time.
In this sutra, Patanjali's begins to identify the accomplishments which come to the aspirant who has advanced in yogic discipline. The first is the awareness of time. The yogi's consciousness has crossed the frontier of time: he sees time as ever flowing. Hence he has knowledge of past and future.
He perceives the orderly sequence of the present slipping into the past, and rolling towards the future; he knows time, its meaning and its impact.
The so-called supernatural powers, discussed from 3.16 to 3.50, are evidence that the sadhaka's yoga practices are correct.
He is advised to intensify them with sustained faith and enthusiasm and to be indifferent to his achievements, so as to avoid deteriorating into affliction, fluctuation and self-gratification.
PATANJALI YOGA SUTRAS