Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 8
Pṛthu Mahārāja’s Renunciation, Austerities, Departure, and the Glory of Hearing His History
तेन क्रमानुसिद्धेन ध्वस्तकर्ममलाशय: । प्राणायामै: सन्निरुद्धषड्वर्गश्छिन्नबन्धन: ॥ ८ ॥
tena kramānusiddhena dhvasta-karma-malāśayaḥ prāṇāyāmaiḥ sanniruddha- ṣaḍ-vargaś chinna-bandhanaḥ
凭借如此循序渐进而成就的苦行，普利图王摧毁了心中对业果的污垢与欲望；又以调息（prāṇāyāma）制伏心与诸根的六类冲动，斩断束缚，从求果之欲中彻底解脱。
The word prāṇāyāmaiḥ is very important in this verse because the haṭha-yogīs and aṣṭāṅga-yogīs practice prāṇāyāma but generally do not know the purpose behind it. The purpose of prāṇāyāma, or mystic yoga, is to stop the mind and senses from engaging in fruitive activities. The so-called yogīs who practice in Western countries have no idea of this. The aim of prāṇāyāma is not to make the body strong and fit for working hard. The aim is worship of Kṛṣṇa. In the previous verse it was specifically mentioned that whatever austerity, prāṇāyāma and mystic yoga practices Pṛthu Mahārāja performed were performed for the sake of worshiping Kṛṣṇa. Thus Pṛthu Mahārāja serves as a perfect example for yogīs also. Whatever he did, he did to please the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Kṛṣṇa.
FAQs
This verse says that by regulated prāṇāyāma and a gradual perfected discipline, one restrains the ṣaḍ-varga and cuts the bonds of material bondage.
In the narration of Pṛthu Mahārāja’s final renunciation, Śukadeva explains the inner method by which Pṛthu purified karmic contamination and became fit to break material bondage.
Adopt steady, gradual discipline—regulate breath and habits—to reduce impulsive urges and purify motivations, making spiritual practice more focused and consistent.