Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 31
योगप्रकारनिर्णयः
Classification and Definition of Yoga
अंगुलीस्फोटनं कुर्यात्सा मात्रेति प्रकीर्तिता । मात्राक्रमेण विज्ञेयाश्चोद्वातक्रमयोगतः
aṃgulīsphoṭanaṃ kuryātsā mātreti prakīrtitā | mātrākrameṇa vijñeyāścodvātakramayogataḥ
Man soll mit den Fingern schnippen; dies wird als „mātrā“ (Zeiteinheit) bezeichnet. Die Abfolge der mātrās ist der Reihe nach zu erkennen, gemäß der Methode der geregelten Atembewegung (codvāta-krama).
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pasha
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
FAQs
It defines a practical time-measure (mātrā) for disciplined sādhana, showing that Shaiva practice values precise rhythm and steadiness—supporting inner concentration so the bound soul (paśu) becomes fit for Shiva’s grace (pati-anugraha).
In Saguna Shiva worship—especially japa and dhyāna before the Liṅga—measured timing and regulated breath help maintain one-pointed devotion and correct mantra cadence, turning external pūjā into inward worship aligned with Shiva-consciousness.
A timing method for japa/prāṇāyāma: use finger-snaps as mātrā units and follow an ordered breath sequence (udvāta-krama) to keep inhalation/exhalation and mantra recitation steady and consistent.