Shiva Purana — Vayaviya Samhita, Shloka 58
योगप्रकारनिर्णयः
Classification and Definition of Yoga
निर्ममश्च सदोत्साही ध्यातेत्थं पुरुषः स्मृतः । जपाच्छ्रांतः पुनर्ध्यायेद्ध्यानाच्छ्रांतः पुनर्जपेत्
nirmamaśca sadotsāhī dhyātetthaṃ puruṣaḥ smṛtaḥ | japācchrāṃtaḥ punardhyāyeddhyānācchrāṃtaḥ punarjapet
我がものという執着なく、常に熱心な人こそ、このように禅定すべき者と伝えられる。ジャパに疲れたなら再び瞑想し、瞑想に疲れたなら再びジャパを行え。
Suta Goswami
Tattva Level: pashu
Shiva Form: Dakṣiṇāmūrti
Sthala Purana: Not applicable; practical instruction on alternating japa and dhyāna to overcome fatigue and mental veiling.
Significance: General: teaches a method to work through tirodhāna-like dullness (ālasyā/klama) by skillful alternation of practices.
Type: panchakshara
Role: nurturing
FAQs
It teaches a Shaiva discipline of steady sadhana: cultivate nirmamatva (freedom from possessiveness) and sustain practice by alternating japa and dhyana, so the mind remains engaged with Shiva without falling into dullness or strain.
Japa and meditation are presented as complementary modes of approaching Shiva: japa supports Saguna-focused devotion (name/mantra linked to Shiva’s gracious form), while dhyana stabilizes inner absorption, leading the devotee toward deeper realization without abandoning devotional orientation.
A practical routine: perform Shiva-mantra japa (such as the Panchakshara) and, when fatigued, shift into silent dhyana on Shiva; when meditation tires, return to japa—maintaining continuous worship and attention.