Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 38
योगप्रकारनिर्णयः
Classification and Definition of Yoga
समं नयति सर्वांगं समानस्तेन गीयते । उद्गारे नाग आख्यातः कूर्म उन्मीलने स्थितः
samaṃ nayati sarvāṃgaṃ samānastena gīyate | udgāre nāga ākhyātaḥ kūrma unmīlane sthitaḥ
Der Lebenshauch, der den ganzen Körper ins Gleichgewicht bringt, heißt daher Samāna. Der beim Aufstoßen wirkt, wird Nāga genannt, und Kūrma ist im Akt des Öffnens der Augen verankert.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva’s yogic-philosophical teaching in the Vāyavīyasaṃhitā)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It maps subtle physiological functions to specific prāṇic forces, showing that yogic self-knowledge includes understanding how prāṇa maintains balance; such inner equilibrium supports steadiness of mind for devotion to Pati (Shiva) and progress toward moksha.
In Shaiva practice, Linga worship is supported by inner discipline: balancing Samāna and observing the prāṇas steadies attention, making japa and dhyāna on Saguna Shiva (as the Linga) more one-pointed and effective.
A practical takeaway is prāṇāyāma with mindful observation of bodily balance and subtle movements (belching, blinking/eye-opening), followed by Panchakshara japa (Om Namaḥ Śivāya) to anchor prāṇa and mind in Shiva.