Shvetashvatara Upanishad 2.8Famous
beginner
त्रिरुन्नतं स्थाप्य समं शरीरं हृदीन्द्रियाणि मनसा संनिवेश्य। ब्रह्मोडुपेन प्रतरेत विद्वान् स्रोतांसि सर्वाणि भयानकानि॥
triunnaṃtaṃ sthāpya samaṃ śarīraṃ hṛdīndriyāṇi manasā saṃniveśya | brahmoḍupena pratarEta vidvān srotāṃsi sarvāṇi bhayānakāni ||
"Holding the body steady with the three upper parts (head, neck, chest) erect, directing the senses and mind into the heart, the wise one crosses over all the fearful currents on the raft of Brahman."
What This Means:
Sit with head, neck, and chest aligned and upright. Direct senses and mind inward to the heart. Using Brahman as a raft, the wise cross over the dangerous currents of existence.
Going Deeper:
This is specific yoga instruction: posture (asana), sense withdrawal (pratyahara), and mental concentration. Brahman-knowledge is the raft across samsara.
How To Apply This:
Sit upright in meditation. Draw senses inward. Brahman-knowledge carries you safely across life's difficulties.
#posture#sense withdrawal#raft of Brahman#crossing