Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 14
योगप्रकारनिर्णयः
Classification and Definition of Yoga
अष्टांगो वा षडंगो वा सर्वयोगः समासतः । यमश्च नियमश्चैव स्वस्तिकाद्यं तथासनम्
aṣṭāṃgo vā ṣaḍaṃgo vā sarvayogaḥ samāsataḥ | yamaśca niyamaścaiva svastikādyaṃ tathāsanam
Qu’on le décrive comme octuple ou comme sextuple, le Yoga dans sa totalité, en bref, est ceci : les disciplines de yama et de niyama, et la pratique des postures telles que Svastikāsana et les autres.
Suta Goswami (narrating the Shiva Purana’s Vayu Samhita teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya)
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Significance: Codifies yogic discipline as a sādhana for the bound soul: ethical restraints/observances and stable āsana are foundational for progressing toward Śiva’s grace.
FAQs
It defines Yoga as a disciplined path grounded first in ethical restraints (yama) and sacred observances (niyama), then stabilized through āsana—preparing the embodied soul (paśu) to loosen bondage (pāśa) and turn toward Shiva (Pati).
By emphasizing yama-niyama and steady posture, the verse supports the inner discipline required for focused Linga-dhyāna and Saguna Shiva upāsanā—so worship becomes concentrated, pure, and unwavering rather than merely external.
Adopt yama and niyama, then sit in a stable āsana such as Svastikāsana for meditation—ideally joined with Shaiva japa (e.g., the Panchakshara) to steady the mind and deepen contemplation.