Shloka 5
Kapila Describes Bhakti-Saturated Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga and Meditation on the Lord’s Form
मौनं सदासनजय: स्थैर्यं प्राणजय: शनै: । प्रत्याहारश्चेन्द्रियाणां विषयान्मनसा हृदि ॥ ५ ॥
maunaṁ sad-āsana-jayaḥ sthairyaṁ prāṇa-jayaḥ śanaiḥ pratyāhāraś cendriyāṇāṁ viṣayān manasā hṛdi
Qu’il observe le silence, acquière la stabilité par la pratique des diverses āsana, maîtrise peu à peu le prāṇa; retire les sens de leurs objets et fixe le mental dans le cœur.
The yogic practices in general and haṭha-yoga in particular are not ends in themselves; they are means to the end of attaining steadiness. First one must be able to sit properly, and then the mind and attention will become steady enough for practicing yoga. Gradually, one must control the circulation of vital air, and with such control he will be able to withdraw the senses from sense objects. In the previous verse it is stated that one must observe celibacy. The most important aspect of sense control is controlling sex life. That is called brahmacarya. By practicing the different sitting postures and controlling the vital air, one can control and restrain the senses from unrestricted sense enjoyment.
FAQs
This verse defines pratyāhāra as withdrawing the senses from their objects by bringing the mind back into the heart, making meditation steady and inward.
Kapila teaches Devahūti practical disciplines that stabilize body and mind—mauna, steady āsana, gradual prāṇa-control, and pratyāhāra—so she can meditate effectively on the Supreme.
Practice short periods of intentional silence, reduce sensory overload, and regularly bring attention inward (heart-centered remembrance of the Lord) to weaken distractions and strengthen focus.