Shloka 71
Lord Śiva Instructs the Pracetās (Śiva-stuti and the Path of Bhakti)
योगादेशमुपासाद्य धारयन्तो मुनिव्रता: । समाहितधिय: सर्व एतदभ्यसतादृता: ॥ ७१ ॥
yogādeśam upāsādya dhārayanto muni-vratāḥ samāhita-dhiyaḥ sarva etad abhyasatādṛtāḥ
योगादेशमिमं स्तोत्ररूपेण उपासाद्य मुनिव्रताः समाहितधियः सर्वे मौनेनादरेण च एतदभ्यसत।
In the haṭha-yoga system one has to practice bodily exercises, dhyāna, dhāraṇā, āsana, meditation, etc. One also has to sit in one place in a particular posture and concentrate his gaze on the tip of the nose. There are so many rules and regulations for the haṭha-yoga system that it is practically impossible to perform it in this age. The alternative system of bhakti-yoga is very easy not only in this age but in others as well, for this yoga system was advocated long ago by Lord Śiva when he advised the princes, the sons of Mahārāja Prācīnabarhiṣat. The bhakti-yoga system is not newly introduced, for even five thousand years ago Lord Kṛṣṇa recommended this bhakti-yoga as the topmost yoga. As Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna in Bhagavad-gītā (6.47) :
FAQs
This verse emphasizes receiving proper yogic instruction, maintaining it steadily, and practicing with a mind made one-pointed (samāhita-dhī) and with reverence.
Because they adopted strict vows like sages—disciplined conduct, restraint, and focused practice—so they could carry out the yogic method they had received.
Learn a genuine spiritual discipline from a trustworthy source, commit to consistent daily practice, and cultivate attention and respect for the process rather than treating it casually.