Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 33
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
प्राणापानौ सन्निरुन्ध्यात्पूरकुम्भकरेचकै: । यावन्मनस्त्यजेत कामान्स्वनासाग्रनिरीक्षण: ॥ ३२ ॥ यतो यतो नि:सरति मन: कामहतं भ्रमत् । ततस्तत उपाहृत्य हृदि रुन्ध्याच्छनैर्बुध: ॥ ३३ ॥
prāṇāpānau sannirundhyāt pūra-kumbhaka-recakaiḥ yāvan manas tyajet kāmān sva-nāsāgra-nirīkṣaṇaḥ
En gardant sans cesse le regard sur la pointe du nez, le yogī instruit pratique le contrôle du souffle par pūraka, kumbhaka et recaka — inspirer, retenir, expirer, puis suspendre les deux. Ainsi il restreint le mental de l’attachement matériel et renonce à tous les désirs. Dès que le mental, vaincu par la convoitise, dérive vers la jouissance des sens, le yogī doit le ramener aussitôt et, peu à peu, l’arrêter dans le cœur.
The practice of yoga is concisely explained herein. When this practice of yoga is perfect, one sees the Supersoul, the Paramātmā feature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, within the core of one’s heart. However, in Bhagavad-gītā (6.47) the Supreme Lord says:
FAQs
This verse teaches restraining prāṇa and apāna through pūraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention), and recaka (exhalation) until the mind releases its desires.
In his instructions on ideal human conduct, Prahlada explains practical methods—like breath regulation and focused attention—to help pacify the mind and support spiritual advancement.
Practice steady, mindful breathing with a fixed point of attention to reduce impulsive desire and improve self-control, supporting prayer, japa, and devotional focus.