Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 4
Āsana–Prāṇāyāma–Pratyāhāra
Posture, Breath-control, and Withdrawal of the Senses
सम्प्रेक्ष्य नासिकाग्रं स्वन्दिशश्चानवलोकयन् पार्ष्णिभ्यां वृषणौ रक्षंस् तथा प्रजननं पुनः
samprekṣya nāsikāgraṃ svandiśaścānavalokayan pārṣṇibhyāṃ vṛṣaṇau rakṣaṃs tathā prajananaṃ punaḥ
દૃષ્ટિને નાસિકાગ્ર પર સ્થિર કરીને, પોતાની આસપાસની દિશાઓ તરફ ન જોવું. બંને એડીઓથી વૃષણોની રક્ષા કરવી અને એ જ રીતે જનનેન્દ્રિયની પણ પુનઃ સુરક્ષા કરવી।
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Yoga-vidya","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Gaze discipline (nāsa-agra-dṛṣṭi) and a bodily lock using heels to protect/contain sexual energy; aids pratyāhāra, brahmacarya, and steadiness in meditation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Nāsa-agra-dṛṣṭi and heel-lock for indriya-saṃyama","lookup_keywords":["nāsikāgra","dṛṣṭi","pārṣṇi","gupta-indriya","brahmacarya"],"quick_summary":"Fix the gaze at the nose-tip without looking around, and place the heels to guard the genital region, supporting sensory restraint. The instruction aims at stabilizing attention and conserving vital energy during yoga."}
Concept: Indriya-nigraha is supported by dṛṣṭi-niyama (controlled gaze) and deha-bandha (bodily lock) to reduce distraction and preserve ojas/tejas for meditation.
Application: Use a soft nose-tip gaze (not straining the eyes); keep attention inward; if using heel pressure, apply gently and discontinue if pain/numbness occurs—steadiness should be sustainable.
Khanda Section: Yoga and Dhyana-vidhi (Meditation posture and sensory discipline)
Primary Rasa: Śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A meditating yogin with eyes gently directed to the nose-tip, heels positioned to secure the pelvic region, body still and inwardly withdrawn, avoiding side glances.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yogin in seated posture with subtle nose-tip gaze, heels drawn in near perineal region, stylized calm face, minimal background, earthy palette, emphasis on inward withdrawal","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, yogin centered with gold halo, eyes half-lidded toward nose-tip, legs arranged with heels near pelvic base, gold detailing on aura and border, serene disciplined mood","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear instructional depiction of nose-tip gaze and heel placement, gentle shading, uncluttered background, focus on correct posture mechanics","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, side-angle view showing gaze direction and heel placement, detailed textiles and mat, quiet chamber, restrained colors, emphasis on composure and control"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: svandiśaścānavalokayan = sva-diśaḥ + ca + an-avalokayan; nāsikāgraṃ resolved as nāsikā-agram; rakṣaṃs normalized to rakṣan (present participle).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 372.1–3 (seat, alignment, one-pointedness); Agni Purana 371 (brahmacarya and restraint implied in yama-niyama)
FAQs
It teaches a practical dhyāna-yoga method: steadying attention by gazing at the nose-tip (nāsikāgra-dṛṣṭi), avoiding wandering glances, and using heel placement to protect/control the genital region as part of disciplined seated practice.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves applied yogic technique—specific gaze-control and posture details—showing it functions as a compendium of practical disciplines, not only mythic narration.
By restraining the senses and guarding the reproductive energy (brahmacarya-oriented control), the practitioner reduces distraction and supports mental steadiness, which is presented as conducive to successful meditation and inner purification.