Agni Purana — Kosha, Shloka 11
Chapter 364 — ब्रह्मवर्गः
Brahmavarga: Lexical Classification of Brahminical/Ritual Terms
शरीरसाधनापेक्षं नित्यं यत् कर्म तद्यमः नियमस्तु स यत् कर्मानित्यमागन्तुसाधनम् स्याद् ब्रह्मभूयं ब्रह्मत्वं ब्रह्मसायुज्यमित्यपि
śarīrasādhanāpekṣaṃ nityaṃ yat karma tadyamaḥ niyamastu sa yat karmānityamāgantusādhanam syād brahmabhūyaṃ brahmatvaṃ brahmasāyujyamityapi
যে কর্ম শরীর-সাধনার উপর নির্ভর করে নিত্য করা হয়, সেটাই ‘যম’। আর ‘নিয়ম’ হলো সেই কর্ম যা অনিত্য এবং যা উপলক্ষ/বাহ্য উপায়ে সম্পন্ন হয়। তার ফলকে ‘ব্রহ্মভূয়’ (ব্রহ্ম হওয়া), ‘ব্রহ্মত্ব’ এবং ‘ব্রহ্মসায়ুজ্য’ (ব্রহ্মের সঙ্গে একত্ব) বলেও বলা হয়।
Lord Agni (traditional Agni Purana narrator) instructing Vasiṣṭha (contextual attribution)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Philosophy","secondary_vidya":"Dharmashastra","practical_application":"Differentiate yama and niyama by constancy and dependence on bodily discipline vs occasional/external means, and connect disciplined practice to Brahman-realization terminology (brahma-bhūya/brahmatva/brahma-sāyujya).","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Definition","entry_title":"Yama and Niyama; Terms for Brahman-Realization (Brahma-bhūya, Brahmatva, Brahma-sāyujya)","lookup_keywords":["yama","niyama","brahma-bhūya","brahmatva","brahma-sāyujya"],"quick_summary":"Yama is constant discipline grounded in bodily practice; niyama is occasional discipline supported by external/auxiliary means. These support the culminating state described as becoming/being united with Brahman."}
Concept: Ethical-disciplinarian practice (yama/niyama) is framed as a sādhanā leading toward Brahman-state, named through multiple synonymous liberation terms.
Application: Keep daily, non-negotiable restraints as yama; schedule periodic observances (fasts, pilgrimages, special rites) as niyama; use both to stabilize mind for Brahman-oriented contemplation.
Khanda Section: Yoga & Dharma-śāstra (Yama–Niyama and Brahma-realization terminology)
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A yogin practices steady daily restraint (simple posture, controlled breath) while a calendar-like panel shows occasional observances (fasting, pilgrimage, special rites); above, a luminous formless Brahman symbol indicates brahma-sāyujya.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yogin in calm seated posture, symbolic panels for yama (daily discipline) and niyama (occasional rites), glowing abstract Brahman aura above, earthy reds and ochres, temple-mural stylization","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, yogin with gold aura, two side vignettes—daily restraint and occasional observance—culminating in radiant golden Brahman light, ornate frame and gilded highlights","mysore_prompt":"Mysore painting, instructional composition with clear separation of yama vs niyama practices, labels, serene yogin, subtle depiction of brahma-bhūya as luminous space","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, contemplative yogin in pavilion, marginal mini-scenes of fasting and ritual observance, delicate cloud-like abstraction above representing union with Brahman"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"contemplative","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"slow","voice_tone":"contemplative"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: तद्यमः = तत् + यमः; नियमस्तु = नियमः + तु; कर्मानित्यमागन्तुसाधनम् = कर्म + अनित्यम् + आगन्तुसाधनम्; ब्रह्मसायुज्यमित्यपि = ब्रह्मसायुज्यम् + इति + अपि
Related Themes: Agni Purana: yama–niyama and yoga terminology; mokṣa/lakṣaṇa discussions; vrata and upavāsa as niyama-like observances
FAQs
It gives a technical distinction between yama (regular restraints tied to bodily self-discipline) and niyama (observances performed occasionally with auxiliary/external means), and names standard liberation terms such as brahma-bhūya and brahma-sāyujya.
By defining yoga-ethical categories (yama/niyama) and pairing them with Vedāntic liberation vocabulary, it shows the text’s compendium style—cataloging precise terminology across dharma, yoga practice, and mokṣa doctrine.
It frames disciplined conduct (yama/niyama) as structured means that culminate in Brahman-realization—described as becoming Brahman, attaining Brahmanhood, or union with Brahman.