Srimad Bhagavatam — Saptama Skandha, Shloka 33
Nārada’s Instructions: Śrāddha, True Dharma, Contentment, Yoga, and Devotion-Centered Renunciation
प्राणापानौ सन्निरुन्ध्यात्पूरकुम्भकरेचकै: । यावन्मनस्त्यजेत कामान्स्वनासाग्रनिरीक्षण: ॥ ३२ ॥ यतो यतो नि:सरति मन: कामहतं भ्रमत् । ततस्तत उपाहृत्य हृदि रुन्ध्याच्छनैर्बुध: ॥ ३३ ॥
prāṇāpānau sannirundhyāt pūra-kumbhaka-recakaiḥ yāvan manas tyajet kāmān sva-nāsāgra-nirīkṣaṇaḥ
Sambil memandang hujung hidung tanpa putus, yogī yang bijaksana mengamalkan latihan nafas melalui pūraka, kumbhaka dan recaka—menarik nafas, menahannya, lalu menghembusnya. Dengan itu minda dikekang daripada keterikatan kebendaan dan meninggalkan segala keinginan. Apabila minda yang ditewaskan nafsu melayang ke arah kenikmatan indera, yogī hendaklah segera menariknya kembali dan perlahan-lahan menahannya di dalam hati.
The practice of yoga is concisely explained herein. When this practice of yoga is perfect, one sees the Supersoul, the Paramātmā feature of the Supreme Personality of Godhead, within the core of one’s heart. However, in Bhagavad-gītā (6.47) the Supreme Lord says:
FAQs
This verse teaches restraining prāṇa and apāna through pūraka (inhalation), kumbhaka (retention), and recaka (exhalation) until the mind releases its desires.
In his instructions on ideal human conduct, Prahlada explains practical methods—like breath regulation and focused attention—to help pacify the mind and support spiritual advancement.
Practice steady, mindful breathing with a fixed point of attention to reduce impulsive desire and improve self-control, supporting prayer, japa, and devotional focus.