Agni Purana — Yoga & Brahma-vidya, Shloka 4
Āsana–Prāṇāyāma–Pratyāhāra
Posture, Breath-control, and Withdrawal of the Senses
सम्प्रेक्ष्य नासिकाग्रं स्वन्दिशश्चानवलोकयन् पार्ष्णिभ्यां वृषणौ रक्षंस् तथा प्रजननं पुनः
samprekṣya nāsikāgraṃ svandiśaścānavalokayan pārṣṇibhyāṃ vṛṣaṇau rakṣaṃs tathā prajananaṃ punaḥ
ଦୃଷ୍ଟିକୁ ନାସିକାଗ୍ରରେ ସ୍ଥିର କରି, ନିଜ ଚାରିପାଖର ଦିଗମାନଙ୍କୁ ନ ଦେଖିବା ଉଚିତ। ଦୁଇ ଗୋଡ଼ର ଗୋଡ଼ଢେଙ୍କାରେ ବୃଷଣକୁ ରକ୍ଷା କରି, ସେହିପରି ପୁନଃ ଜନନେନ୍ଦ୍ରିୟକୁ ମଧ୍ୟ ସୁରକ୍ଷିତ ରଖିବା ଉଚିତ।
Lord Agni (teaching the sage Vasiṣṭha)
Vidya Category: {"primary_vidya":"Yoga-vidya","secondary_vidya":"Tantra","practical_application":"Gaze discipline (nāsa-agra-dṛṣṭi) and a bodily lock using heels to protect/contain sexual energy; aids pratyāhāra, brahmacarya, and steadiness in meditation.","sutra_style":true}
Encyclopedic Reference: {"reference_type":"Procedure","entry_title":"Nāsa-agra-dṛṣṭi and heel-lock for indriya-saṃyama","lookup_keywords":["nāsikāgra","dṛṣṭi","pārṣṇi","gupta-indriya","brahmacarya"],"quick_summary":"Fix the gaze at the nose-tip without looking around, and place the heels to guard the genital region, supporting sensory restraint. The instruction aims at stabilizing attention and conserving vital energy during yoga."}
Concept: Indriya-nigraha is supported by dṛṣṭi-niyama (controlled gaze) and deha-bandha (bodily lock) to reduce distraction and preserve ojas/tejas for meditation.
Application: Use a soft nose-tip gaze (not straining the eyes); keep attention inward; if using heel pressure, apply gently and discontinue if pain/numbness occurs—steadiness should be sustainable.
Khanda Section: Yoga and Dhyana-vidhi (Meditation posture and sensory discipline)
Primary Rasa: Śānta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"A meditating yogin with eyes gently directed to the nose-tip, heels positioned to secure the pelvic region, body still and inwardly withdrawn, avoiding side glances.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural, yogin in seated posture with subtle nose-tip gaze, heels drawn in near perineal region, stylized calm face, minimal background, earthy palette, emphasis on inward withdrawal","tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting, yogin centered with gold halo, eyes half-lidded toward nose-tip, legs arranged with heels near pelvic base, gold detailing on aura and border, serene disciplined mood","mysore_prompt":"Mysore style, clear instructional depiction of nose-tip gaze and heel placement, gentle shading, uncluttered background, focus on correct posture mechanics","mughal_miniature_prompt":"Mughal miniature, side-angle view showing gaze direction and heel placement, detailed textiles and mat, quiet chamber, restrained colors, emphasis on composure and control"}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"instructional","suggested_raga":"Darbari Kanada","pace":"medium","voice_tone":"instructional"}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: svandiśaścānavalokayan = sva-diśaḥ + ca + an-avalokayan; nāsikāgraṃ resolved as nāsikā-agram; rakṣaṃs normalized to rakṣan (present participle).
Related Themes: Agni Purana 372.1–3 (seat, alignment, one-pointedness); Agni Purana 371 (brahmacarya and restraint implied in yama-niyama)
FAQs
It teaches a practical dhyāna-yoga method: steadying attention by gazing at the nose-tip (nāsikāgra-dṛṣṭi), avoiding wandering glances, and using heel placement to protect/control the genital region as part of disciplined seated practice.
Alongside theology and ritual, the Agni Purana preserves applied yogic technique—specific gaze-control and posture details—showing it functions as a compendium of practical disciplines, not only mythic narration.
By restraining the senses and guarding the reproductive energy (brahmacarya-oriented control), the practitioner reduces distraction and supports mental steadiness, which is presented as conducive to successful meditation and inner purification.