Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 59
योगप्रकारनिर्णयः
Classification and Definition of Yoga
जपध्यनाभियुक्तस्य क्षिप्रं योगः प्रसिद्ध्यति । धारणा द्वादशायामा ध्यानं द्वादशधारणम्
japadhyanābhiyuktasya kṣipraṃ yogaḥ prasiddhyati | dhāraṇā dvādaśāyāmā dhyānaṃ dvādaśadhāraṇam
Pour celui qui s’adonne avec constance au japa et à la méditation, le Yoga s’accomplit rapidement. La dhāraṇā dure douze yāmas, et le dhyāna se compose de douze dhāraṇās.
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Not a Jyotirliṅga passage; it is a technical yogic measure of dhāraṇā and dhyāna and their efficacy when paired with japa.
Significance: General: frames yoga as quickly ‘accomplished’ through sustained inner discipline—an inward pilgrimage culminating in Śiva’s grace.
Type: panchakshara
FAQs
It teaches that disciplined japa and dhyāna rapidly mature into Yoga—inner union with Pati (Shiva)—where the mind becomes steady and fit for liberating knowledge, aligning with Shaiva Siddhanta’s emphasis on purification leading toward grace and release from pāśa (bondage).
Japa and dhyāna are often performed with Saguna supports—such as the Shiva-liṅga, Shiva’s form, or the pañcākṣarī mantra—so concentration (dhāraṇā) ripens into sustained contemplation (dhyāna), making worship inwardly continuous rather than merely external.
A practical takeaway is to combine mantra-japa (commonly “Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) with focused concentration on Shiva (liṅga or chosen form), extending steadiness of mind from dhāraṇā into dhyāna through regular, timed practice.