Chapter 6 - Verse 10

Directions for the practice of Yoga.

Wherefore, to attain the highest results,

योगी युञ्जीत सततमात्मानं रहसि स्थितः ।
एकाकी यतचित्तात्मा निराशीरपरिग्रहः ॥ १० ॥

yogī yuñjīta satatamātmānaṃ rahasi sthitaḥ .
ekākī yatacittātmā nirāśīraparigrahaḥ .. 10 ..


Let the Yogin try constantly to keep the mind steady, remaining in seclusion, alone, with the mind and body controlled, free from desire, and having no possessions.
Read the commentary

Yogin: he who meditates. In seclusion; in a mountain-cave, or the like. The words ‘in seclusion’ and ‘alone’ evidently show that he should resort to renunciation (samnyasa). Not only should he renounce the world when he practises Yoga, but he should also abandon all possessions.

Now, in the sequel, the Lord proceeds to prescribe for him who practises Yoga particular modes of sitting, eating, recreation and the like as aids to Yoga, as also to define the characteristic marks of the man who has attained Yoga, and to describe the effects of Yoga and other particulars in connection with it. First of all, He prescribes a particular mode of sitting as follows :