Agni Purana — Dharma-shastra, Shloka 21
Yati-dharma
The Dharma of the Renunciate Ascetic
प्राणायामस्तु द्विविधः स गर्भो ऽगर्भ एव च जपध्यानयुतो गर्भो विपरीतस्त्वगर्भकः
prāṇāyāmastu dvividhaḥ sa garbho 'garbha eva ca japadhyānayuto garbho viparītastvagarbhakaḥ
প্রাণায়াম দুই প্রকার—গর্ভ (বীজসহ) ও অগর্ভ (বীজহীন)। জপ ও ধ্যানযুক্ত প্রাণায়াম ‘গর্ভ’; তার বিপরীতটি ‘অগর্ভ’।
Lord Agni (teaching to sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Mantra","practical_application":"Classify pranayama into mantra/meditation-supported (garbha) versus technique-only (agarbha) to guide practitioners in choosing a method aligned with their sadhana.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Prāṇāyāma: Garbha (with Japa–Dhyāna) and Agarbha (without)","lookup_keywords":["pranayama","garbha","agarbha","japa","dhyana"],"quick_summary":"Breath discipline is ‘with seed’ when joined to mantra-recitation and meditation; without these supports it is ‘seedless’—a more bare technique."}
Concept: Integration of prāṇa-control with mantra and contemplation provides a ‘seed’ (support) for mind’s absorption; technique alone is a different category.
Application: If practicing for meditation, coordinate breath with japa and a chosen dhyāna-object; if practicing as preliminary control, begin with simple breath regulation then add japa/dhyāna.
Khanda Section: Yoga-vidya (Pranayama and Meditation)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: jnana
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"Two adjacent depictions of a yogin: one practicing pranayama with a mala and inner visualization (garbha), the other practicing breath alone in silence (agarbha).","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural split-panel composition, left yogin with japa-mala and subtle deity/Om motif above heart, right yogin with empty hands, both seated, bold outlines, temple-lamp ambience","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore diptych, left panel with gold-highlighted mala and Om, right panel austere, both with halos, rich border emphasizing ‘with seed’ vs ‘seedless’","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style instructional chart, two seated figures, annotations for japa and dhyana on one side, plain pranayama on the other, soft pastel background","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, two scholars-yogins in a garden pavilion, one counting beads, one hands on knees, fine detailing, calligraphic labels garbha/agarbha"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: गर्भोऽगर्भः → गर्भः + अगर्भः; विपरीतस्त्वगर्भकः → विपरीतः + तु + अगर्भकः; जपध्यानयुतः → जप + ध्यान + युतः
Related Themes: Agni Purana 161 (pranayama definitions and methods)
FAQs
It defines a technical twofold classification of prāṇāyāma: ‘garbha’ (supported by japa and dhyāna) versus ‘agarbha’ (performed without mantra-recitation and meditation).
By giving a precise yogic taxonomy (garbha/agarbha) and linking breath-discipline to mantra and meditation, it shows the Purāṇa’s coverage of practical yoga alongside other sciences and ritual systems.
It frames prāṇāyāma as either supported by sacred cognition (mantra and contemplative focus) or not, implying that integrating japa and dhyāna makes breath-practice more directly oriented to inner purification and spiritual attainment.