Shloka 87

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

समजानुस् तथा धीमान् एकजानुरथापिवा समं दृढासनो भूत्वा संहृत्य चरणावुभौ

Transliteration

samajānus tathā dhīmān ekajānurathāpivā samaṃ dṛḍhāsano bhūtvā saṃhṛtya caraṇāvubhau

Translation

賢き修行者は、両膝を等しくそろえて坐すか、あるいは片膝を立てて坐すべし。堅固にして平等なる坐に安住し、両足を引き寄せ整えて—身の制御を立て、シヴァへ向かう観想の支えとせよ。

Word by Word

• समजानुः: with both knees even/level

• तथा: likewise

• धीमान्: the wise one, discerning practitioner

• एकजानुः: with one knee (raised/placed)

• अथ अपि वा: or else

• समम्: evenly, in balance

• दृढ-आसनः: having a firm posture/seat

• भूत्वा: having become

• संहृत्य: drawing in, withdrawing, gathering

• चरणौ: the two feet

• उभौ: both

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating Shiva-upasana/yoga discipline to the sages of Naimisharanya)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It prescribes the bodily steadiness (dṛḍhāsana) that makes linga-upāsanā effective—by restraining movement and gathering the limbs, the worshipper supports one-pointed attention toward Pati (Shiva).

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

Shiva-tattva is approached here as the supreme Pati realized through inner composure; when the pashu (individual self) reduces distraction and steadies the body, the mind becomes fit to turn toward Shiva’s presence.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

Āsana-siddhi: sitting in a balanced, firm posture (either both knees level or one-knee posture) and withdrawing/placing the feet properly—preparatory discipline aligned with Pashupata-style meditation and puja.