Shloka 10
Kapila Describes Bhakti-Saturated Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga and Meditation on the Lord’s Form
मनोऽचिरात्स्याद्विरजं जितश्वासस्य योगिन: । वाय्वग्निभ्यां यथा लोहं ध्मातं त्यजति वै मलम् ॥ १० ॥
mano ’cirāt syād virajaṁ jita-śvāsasya yoginaḥ vāyv-agnibhyāṁ yathā lohaṁ dhmātaṁ tyajati vai malam
L’esprit du yogī qui a maîtrisé le souffle devient vite sans souillure; comme l’or ou le métal, mis au feu et attisé par l’air, rejette ses impuretés.
This process of purifying the mind is also recommended by Lord Caitanya; He says that one should chant Hare Kṛṣṇa. He says further, paraṁ vijayate: “All glories to Śrī Kṛṣṇa saṅkīrtana !” All glories are given to the chanting of the holy names of Kṛṣṇa because as soon as one begins this process of chanting, the mind becomes purified. Ceto-darpaṇa-mārjanam: by chanting the holy name of Kṛṣṇa one is cleansed of the dirt that accumulates in the mind. One can purify the mind either by the breathing process or by the chanting process, just as one can purify gold by putting it in a fire and fanning it with a bellows.
FAQs
In Bhagavatam 3.28.10, Kapila explains that when a yogī conquers the breath, the mind soon becomes “viraja” (stainless), like iron losing dross when worked by air and fire.
Kapila is outlining a practical sādhana for inner purification—showing Devahūti (and seekers) that disciplined regulation of prāṇa supports steadiness and cleansing of the mind, aiding meditation and devotion.
Practice simple, steady breath regulation with mindfulness and ethical living to reduce mental agitation—using the calmer mind to focus on remembrance of the Lord, prayer, and scriptural study.