Shloka 38
Brahmā Counsels the Demigods; Journey to Kailāsa; Śiva’s Tranquility and Brahmā’s Praise
कृत्वोरौ दक्षिणे सव्यं पादपद्मं च जानुनि । बाहुं प्रकोष्ठेऽक्षमालाम् आसीनं तर्कमुद्रया ॥ ३८ ॥
kṛtvorau dakṣiṇe savyaṁ pāda-padmaṁ ca jānuni bāhuṁ prakoṣṭhe ’kṣa-mālām āsīnaṁ tarka-mudrayā
सव्यं पादपद्मं दक्षिणोरौ कृत्वा जानुनि च सव्यं करं न्यस्य, वीरासनस्थितः। दक्षिणहस्ते रुद्राक्षमालां धारयन् तर्कमुद्रया समासीनोऽभवत्॥
The sitting posture described herein is called vīrāsana according to the system of aṣṭāṅga-yoga performances. In the performance of yoga there are eight divisions, such as yama and niyama — controlling, following the rules and regulations, then practicing the sitting postures, etc. Besides vīrāsana there are other sitting postures, such as padmāsana and siddhāsana. Practice of these āsanas without elevating oneself to the position of realizing the Supersoul, Viṣṇu, is not the perfectional stage of yoga. Lord Śiva is called yogīśvara, the master of all yogīs, and Kṛṣṇa is called yogeśvara. Yogīśvara indicates that no one can surpass the yoga practice of Lord Śiva, and yogeśvara indicates that no one can surpass the yogic perfection of Kṛṣṇa. Another significant word is tarka-mudrā. This indicates that the fingers are opened and the second finger is raised, along with the arm, to impress the audience with some subject matter. This is actually a symbolic representation.
FAQs
This verse describes Lord Śiva seated in a steady yogic posture, holding a rosary and a gesture of contemplation—showing his deep inner equipoise and spiritual focus even amid conflict.
The rosary signifies disciplined spiritual practice—continuous remembrance and meditation—highlighting Śiva’s role as a great yogī and foremost Vaiṣṇava devoted to the Supreme.
Cultivate steadiness: adopt a regular meditation or japa routine, maintain calm posture and breath, and respond to provocation with inner clarity rather than agitation.