Shloka 3
Kṛṣṇa’s Dhyāna and the Prompt to Question Bhīṣma (कृष्णध्यानं भीष्मप्रश्नप्रेरणा च)
निगृहीतो हि वायुस्ते पडचकर्मा शरीरग: । इन्द्रियाणि प्रसन्नानि मनसि स्थापितानि ते
nigṛhīto hi vāyus te pañcakarmā śarīragaḥ | indriyāṇi prasannāni manasi sthāpitāni te ||
Yudhiṣṭhira said: “For the vital wind within your body—whose five functions are inhalation, exhalation, and the other operations of prāṇa—has been restrained. Your senses, calm and clear, have been gathered and placed within the mind.”
युधिछिर उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights yogic discipline: restraining prāṇa and withdrawing the senses into the mind. Ethically, it points to mastery over inner impulses as a foundation for dharma—clarity, steadiness, and freedom from agitation.
Yudhiṣṭhira addresses a person displaying signs of deep yogic absorption: the breath is controlled and the senses are quieted and inwardly collected. He recognizes an advanced meditative state rather than ordinary wakeful activity.