Shloka 18

Adhyaya 8: Yogasthanas, Ashtanga Yoga, Pranayama-Siddhi, and Shiva-Dhyana leading to Samadhi

Devanagari script

स्वदारे विधिवत्कृत्वा निवृत्तिश्चान्यतः सदा मनसा कर्मणा वाचा ब्रह्मचर्यमिति स्मृतम्

Transliteration

svadāre vidhivatkṛtvā nivṛttiścānyataḥ sadā manasā karmaṇā vācā brahmacaryamiti smṛtam

Translation

所谓的梵行（Brahmacarya）即是：依礼法与自己的妻子结合，而在身、口、意上始终远离其他女性，保持节制。

Word by Word

• svadāre: with one’s own lawful spouse

• vidhivat: according to rule/with due rite

• kṛtvā: having done/engaging

• nivṛttiḥ: withdrawal, restraint

• ca: and

• anyataḥ: from others/elsewhere

• sadā: always

• manasā: by the mind

• karmaṇā: by action/deed

• vācā: by speech

• brahmacaryam: brahmacarya (continence, disciplined conduct)

• iti: thus

• smṛtam: is remembered/declared in tradition

Speaker

Suta Goswami (narrating traditional dharma definitions within the Linga Purana discourse)

Characters & Entities

• Shiva

FAQs

What is the importance of this verse in the context of Linga worship?

It sets the ethical prerequisite for Shiva-sādhana: purity and restraint in mind, speech, and action, which stabilizes the devotee (pashu) for disciplined Linga-pūjā.

How does this verse describe the nature of Shiva (Shiva-tattva)?

By emphasizing inner and outer restraint, it points to Shiva as Pati—the Lord of discipline and liberation—who is approached through mastery over pasha (bonding impulses) rather than mere external ritual.

What ritualistic or Yogic practice is highlighted here?

A yogic-dharmic practice: brahmacarya as threefold restraint (mind, speech, body), supporting Pashupata-oriented self-control as a foundation for worship and meditation.