Srimad Bhagavatam — Tritiya Skandha, Shloka 26
Kapila Describes Bhakti-Saturated Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga and Meditation on the Lord’s Form
वक्षोऽधिवासमृषभस्य महाविभूते: पुंसां मनोनयननिर्वृतिमादधानम् । कण्ठं च कौस्तुभमणेरधिभूषणार्थं कुर्यान्मनस्यखिललोकनमस्कृतस्य ॥ २६ ॥
vakṣo ’dhivāsam ṛṣabhasya mahā-vibhūteḥ puṁsāṁ mano-nayana-nirvṛtim ādadhānam kaṇṭhaṁ ca kaustubha-maṇer adhibhūṣaṇārthaṁ kuryān manasy akhila-loka-namaskṛtasya
The yogī should then meditate on the chest of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, the abode of goddess Mahā-Lakṣmī. The Lord’s chest is the source of all transcendental pleasure for the mind and full satisfaction for the eyes. The yogī should then imprint on his mind the neck of the Personality of Godhead, who is adored by the entire universe. The neck of the Lord serves to enhance the beauty of the Kaustubha gem, which hangs on His chest.
In the Upaniṣads it is said that the various energies of the Lord are working to create, destroy and maintain. These inconceivable varieties of energy are stored in the bosom of the Lord. As people generally say, God is all-powerful. That prowess is represented by Mahā-Lakṣmī, the reservoir of all energies, who is situated on the bosom of the transcendental form of the Lord. The yogī who can meditate perfectly on that spot on the transcendental form of the Lord can derive many material powers, which comprise the eight perfections of the yoga system.
FAQs
This verse teaches focusing the mind on specific divine features—especially the Lord’s chest (Śrīvatsa) and neck adorned with the Kaustubha jewel—because such contemplation grants deep satisfaction to the mind and eyes and strengthens devotion.
In Kapila’s step-by-step dhyāna instruction, concentrating on the Lord’s auspicious bodily features steadies the mind and awakens bhakti; the chest and Kaustubha are highlighted as supremely beautiful and universally worshiped symbols of His majesty.
Use a focused, feature-by-feature visualization of the Lord (with reverence), reducing mental distraction; even a few minutes daily can cultivate calm, devotion, and a more worshipful mindset in everyday duties.