Kurma Purana — Uttara Bhaga, Shloka 48
Īśvara-Gītā (continued): Twofold Yoga, Aṣṭāṅga Discipline, Pāśupata Meditation, and the Unity of Nārāyaṇa–Maheśvara
जन्तुव्याप्ते श्मशाने च जीर्णगोष्ठे चतुष्पथे / सशब्दे सभये वापि चैत्यवल्मीकसंचये
jantuvyāpte śmaśāne ca jīrṇagoṣṭhe catuṣpathe / saśabde sabhaye vāpi caityavalmīkasaṃcaye
In places crowded with creatures, in a cremation-ground, in a dilapidated cowshed, at a crossroads, in a noisy or fear-provoking spot, and also amid heaps of shrines and ant-hills—there one should not undertake steady meditation.
Lord Kurma (Vishnu) instructing King Indradyumna within the Ishvara Gita teaching
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: bhayanaka
FAQs
It implies that realization of the Self requires steadiness (ekāgratā) and sattvic conditions; disturbed or fear-inducing locations agitate the mind, obstructing inward absorption where Atman is directly known.
It gives a practical dhyāna-vidhi rule: choose a quiet, safe, and stable environment for concentration. Avoid places that provoke distraction (noise, crowds) or fear, since they hinder the disciplined mind required in Pāśupata-oriented contemplation of Īśvara.
Within the Ishvara Gita’s synthesis, Vishnu as Kurma teaches a discipline often associated with Shaiva-Pashupata yoga—showing shared yogic standards and a unified puranic approach to Īśvara-bhakti and meditation.