Shloka 9
नारद–शुक संवादः (Nārada–Śuka Dialogue): Tyāga, Saṃyama, and Vyakta–Avyakta Viveka
धारणं चैव मनस: प्राणायामश्न् पार्थिव । एकाग्रता च मनस: प्राणायामस्तथैव च
yājñavalkya uvāca | dhāraṇaṃ caiva manasaḥ prāṇāyāmaś ca pārthiva | ekāgratā ca manasaḥ prāṇāyāmas tathaiva ca ||
Yājñavalkya dit : «Ô roi, la “dhāraṇā” est la fixation de l’esprit sur un lieu déterminé. Lorsque la discipline du souffle (prāṇāyāma) est pratiquée avec une telle fixation mentale, on la tient pour la forme saguṇa (avec qualités et support). Mais lorsque, sans prendre appui sur aucun lieu ni objet, l’esprit est rassemblé dans l’absorption sans semence (nirbīja samādhi), cela s’appelle le prāṇāyāma nirguṇa (sans qualités).»
याज़्ञवल्क्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes two modes of yogic practice: (1) dhāraṇā—fixing the mind on a specific locus/object—paired with prāṇāyāma as a supported, ‘saguṇa’ discipline; and (2) an unsupported, objectless gathering of the mind into nirbīja samādhi, described as ‘nirguṇa’ prāṇāyāma.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on peace and liberation, the sage Yājñavalkya addresses a king and explains technical distinctions in yogic concentration and breath-discipline, guiding the ruler toward inner mastery rather than outward power.