Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 33
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
प्राणापानौ सन्निरुन्ध्यात्पूरकुम्भकरेचकै: । यावन्मनस्त्यजेत कामान्स्वनासाग्रनिरीक्षण: ॥ ३२ ॥ यतो यतो नि:सरति मन: कामहतं भ्रमत् । ततस्तत उपाहृत्य हृदि रुन्ध्याच्छनैर्बुध: ॥ ३३ ॥
prāṇāpānau sannirundhyāt pūra-kumbhaka-recakaiḥ yāvan manas tyajet kāmān sva-nāsāgra-nirīkṣaṇaḥ
Während er unablässig auf die Nasenspitze blickt, übt der gelehrte Yogī die Atemlenkung durch pūraka, kumbhaka und recaka — Einatmen, Anhalten und Ausatmen, wobei beide Ströme zur Ruhe gebracht werden. So zügelt er den Geist von materiellen Anhaftungen und gibt alle Wünsche auf. Sobald der vom Begehren besiegte Geist zu sinnlichem Genuss abschweift, soll der Yogī ihn sofort zurückholen und ihn nach und nach im Herzen festhalten.
The practice of yoga is concisely explained herein. When this practice of yoga is perfect, one sees the Supersoul, the Paramātmā feature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, within the core of one’s heart. However, in Bhagavad-gītā (6.47) the Supreme Lord says:
FAQs
This verse teaches restraining prāṇa and apāna through pūraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention), and recaka (exhalation) until the mind releases its desires.
In his instructions on ideal human conduct, Prahlada explains practical methods—like breath regulation and focused attention—to help pacify the mind and support spiritual advancement.
Practice steady, mindful breathing with a fixed point of attention to reduce impulsive desire and improve self-control, supporting prayer, japa, and devotional focus.