Shloka 7
Kapila Describes Bhakti-Saturated Aṣṭāṅga-Yoga and Meditation on the Lord’s Form
एतैरन्यैश्च पथिभिर्मनो दुष्टमसत्पथम् । बुद्ध्या युञ्जीत शनकैर्जितप्राणो ह्यतन्द्रित: ॥ ७ ॥
etair anyaiś ca pathibhir mano duṣṭam asat-patham buddhyā yuñjīta śanakair jita-prāṇo hy atandritaḥ
Bằng những phương pháp này hay bất cứ con đường chân chánh nào, hãy dùng trí tuệ điều phục dần dần tâm ô nhiễm và phóng túng, vốn ham hưởng thụ vật chất; khi đã chế ngự prāṇa và không lười nhác, hãy an trú niệm tưởng nơi Bhagavān.
Etair anyaiś ca. The general yoga process entails observing the rules and regulations, practicing the different sitting postures, concentrating the mind on the vital circulation of the air and then thinking of the Supreme Personality of Godhead in His Vaikuṇṭha pastimes. This is the general process of yoga. This same concentration can be achieved by other recommended processes, and therefore anyaiś ca, other methods, also can be applied. The essential point is that the mind, which is contaminated by material attraction, has to be bridled and concentrated on the Supreme Personality of Godhead. It cannot be fixed on something void or impersonal. For this reason, so-called yoga practices of voidism and impersonalism are not recommended in any standard yoga-śāstra. The real yogī is the devotee because his mind is always concentrated on the pastimes of Lord Kṛṣṇa. Therefore Kṛṣṇa consciousness is the topmost yoga system.
FAQs
This verse teaches that the mind tends toward the temporary and should be steadily brought under control by discrimination (buddhi), supported by prāṇa-control and constant alertness.
Kapila is instructing his mother Devahūti in the practical process of bhakti-yoga and meditation, emphasizing gradual discipline of the mind as an essential step toward realization.
Train the mind gradually through consistent spiritual practice, use discernment to reject distractions, regulate breath/energy through simple prāṇāyāma, and maintain daily alertness against laziness and impulsive habits.