Shloka 11

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

सत्यमस्तेयमपरं ब्रह्मचर्यापरिग्रहौ नियमस्यापि वै मूलं यम एव न संशयः

Transliteration

satyamasteyamaparaṃ brahmacaryāparigrahau niyamasyāpi vai mūlaṃ yama eva na saṃśayaḥ

Translation

Truthfulness, non-stealing, non-acceptance of what is not rightfully one’s own, celibate discipline, and non-possessiveness—indeed, Yama (ethical restraint) alone is the very root even of Niyama (observances); of this there is no doubt.

Word by Word

• सत्यम्: truthfulness

• अस्तेयम्: non-stealing

• अपरम्: the further restraint/non-appropriation (not taking what is not one’s due)

• ब्रह्मचर्य: celibate discipline/continence

• अपरिग्रहौ: non-possessiveness/non-hoarding

• नियमस्य अपि: even of niyama (observances)

• वै: indeed

• मूलम्: root/foundation

• यम एव: yama alone (ethical restraint)

• न संशयः: no doubt

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shaiva dharma to the sages of Naimisharanya, conveying the Purana’s teaching on yogic discipline)

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It teaches that external Linga-puja bears fruit only when rooted in yama—truth, non-stealing, continence, and non-possessiveness—because ethical restraint purifies the worshipper’s intent and makes the offering fit for Shiva (Pati).

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By implying that approach to Shiva-tattva is not merely ritual but inner transformation: the pashu (bound soul) loosens pasha (bondage) through yama, becoming qualified for Shiva’s grace (anugraha).

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Pashupata-oriented yogic discipline: yama as the primary foundation that supports niyama and stabilizes meditation and worship, making sādhana effective.