Shloka 9
नारद–शुक संवादः (Nārada–Śuka Dialogue): Tyāga, Saṃyama, and Vyakta–Avyakta Viveka
धारणं चैव मनस: प्राणायामश्न् पार्थिव । एकाग्रता च मनस: प्राणायामस्तथैव च
yājñavalkya uvāca | dhāraṇaṃ caiva manasaḥ prāṇāyāmaś ca pārthiva | ekāgratā ca manasaḥ prāṇāyāmas tathaiva ca ||
ヤージュニャヴァルキヤは言った。「大地の主たる王よ、『ダーラナー』（dhāraṇā）とは、心をある特定の所縁・場所に据え置くことである。その心の固定とともに行う調息（プラーナーヤーマ）はサグナ（saguṇa）と見なされる。だが、いかなる特定の場所や対象にも依らず、心を無種子三昧（nirbīja samādhi）へと一境に収めるなら、それがニルグナ（nirguṇa）の調息と呼ばれる。」
याज़्ञवल्क्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse distinguishes two modes of yogic practice: (1) dhāraṇā—fixing the mind on a specific locus/object—paired with prāṇāyāma as a supported, ‘saguṇa’ discipline; and (2) an unsupported, objectless gathering of the mind into nirbīja samādhi, described as ‘nirguṇa’ prāṇāyāma.
In the Śānti Parva’s instruction on peace and liberation, the sage Yājñavalkya addresses a king and explains technical distinctions in yogic concentration and breath-discipline, guiding the ruler toward inner mastery rather than outward power.