Shloka 17
तपः–मन्त्रजप–ध्यानविधिः
Protocol of Tapas, Mantra-Japa, and Śiva-Dhyāna
यस्मिन्दृष्टे प्रसीदेत्स्वं मनः स हितकृद्ध्रुवम् । यस्मिन्दृष्टे तदेव स्यादाकुलं शत्रुरेव सः
yasmindṛṣṭe prasīdetsvaṃ manaḥ sa hitakṛddhruvam | yasmindṛṣṭe tadeva syādākulaṃ śatrureva saḥ
જેનાં દર્શનથી પોતાનું મન શાંત અને પ્રસન્ન થાય, તે નિશ્ચયે હિતકર્તા છે. પરંતુ જેને જોઈને એ જ મન વ્યાકુળ થાય, તે જ શત્રુ જાણવો.
Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva Purana teachings to the sages at Naimisharanya, inferred from Purana dialogue convention in this Samhita)
Tattva Level: pashu
FAQs
It teaches discernment (viveka): the mind’s spontaneous peace in someone’s presence indicates supportive, dharmic influence, while agitation signals a binding, obstructive influence—important for progressing toward Shiva-bhakti and inner purity.
Linga/Saguna Shiva worship emphasizes purification of the antaḥkaraṇa (inner instrument). Keeping the company of those who increase serenity supports steady japa, puja, and devotion; avoiding those who provoke turmoil protects the worshipper’s focus and faith.
Choose satsanga for daily Panchakshara japa (“Om Namaḥ Śivāya”) and meditation; if agitation arises due to harmful company, withdraw, apply Tripuṇḍra (bhasma) with remembrance of Shiva, and return to japa to re-center the mind.