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Dattātreyayogaśāstra: Four Paths from Mantra to Royal Yoga

Probably composed around 1200 CE, the teaching dialogue links Mantra, Laya, Haṭha, and Rāja Yoga and leads from seeking a teacher to completion.

Dr. Ronald Steiner Dr. Ronald Steiner Nils Jacob Liersch Nils Jacob Liersch
DYS 1–1*1: Viṣṇu and Nṛsiṃha
DYS 1–1*1: Viṣṇu and Nṛsiṃha

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 1–1*1: Consciousness, Bliss, and the Pacification of Obstacles

The two invocations revere Viṣṇu, who dwells in the heart-lotuses of yogins, is conceived both with and without qualities, and is reached through yoga, and...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 1
yogi-hṛt-kamalāvāsaṃ; saguṇaṃ nirguṇaṃ punaḥ | viṣṇuṃ vande yoga-gamyaṃ; cid-rūpaṃ vighna-śāntaye ||1||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
For the pacification of obstacles (vighna-śāntaye | dat sg), I revere (vande | 1p sg med pres) Viṣṇu (viṣṇum | acc sg), who dwells in the heart-lotuses of yogins (yogi-hṛt-kamala-āvāsam | acc sg), is endowed with qualities (saguṇam | acc sg m) and, on the other hand (punaḥ), free from qualities (nirguṇam | acc sg m), attainable through yoga (yoga-gamyam | acc sg m), and formed of consciousness (cid-rūpam | acc sg m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 1*1
nṛsiṃha-rūpiṇe cid-ātmane sukha-sva-rūpiṇe | padais tribhis tad-ādibhir nirūpitāya vai namaḥ ||1*1||
Metre: Pramāṇikā
Reverence (namaḥ | nom sg) indeed (vai) to the one who bears the form of Nṛsiṃha (nṛsiṃha-rūpiṇe | dat sg), whose self is consciousness (cid-ātmane | dat sg), whose own form is bliss (sukha-sva-rūpiṇe | dat sg), and who is defined (nirūpitāya | dat sg) by the three words (padais tribhiḥ | ins pl) beginning with “tat” (tad-ādibhiḥ | ins pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 2–8: Seeking a Teacher
DYS 2–8: Seeking a Teacher

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 2–8: Sāṃkṛti Meets Dattātreya in the Naimiṣa Forest

Searching for yoga, Sāṃkṛti finds Dattātreya absorbed in meditation, bows to him, and explains that he has come to learn the teaching.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 2
sāṃkṛtir muni-varyo 'sau; bhūtalaṃ yoga-lipsayā | sakalaṃ paricaṅkramya; naimiṣāraṇyam āptavān ||2||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
From a desire for yoga (yoga-lipsayā | ins sg), that foremost sage Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛtir muni-varyo ’sau | nom sg), having traversed (paricaṅkramya | abs) the whole earth (bhūtalaṃ sakalam | acc sg), reached (āptavān | nom sg) Naimiṣa Forest (naimiṣāraṇyam | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 3
sugandhi-nānā-kusumaiḥ; svādumat-phala-saṃyutaiḥ | śākhibhiḥ śobhitaṃ puṇyaṃ; jala-kāsāra-maṇḍitam ||3||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
That sacred [forest] (puṇyam | acc sg n) was adorned (śobhitam | acc sg n) with trees (śākhibhiḥ | ins pl) bearing many kinds of fragrant flowers (sugandhi-nānā-kusumaiḥ | ins pl) and sweet fruit (svādumat-phala-saṃyutaiḥ | ins pl), and embellished with pools of water (jala-kāsāra-maṇḍitam | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 4
sa munis tatra vicaran; dadarśāmra-taror adhaḥ | vedikāyāṃ samāsīnaṃ; dattātreyaṃ mahā-munim ||4||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
While the sage (sa muniḥ | nom sg) wandered (vicaran | nom sg m pca) there (tatra), he saw (dadarśa | 3p sg act perf), beneath a mango tree (āmra-taroḥ adhaḥ | gen sg), the great sage Dattātreya (dattātreyaṃ mahā-munim | acc sg) seated on a platform (vedikāyāṃ samāsīnam | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 5
dṛḍha-padmāsanenāpi; nāsāgrārpitayā dṛśā | ūru-madhya-gatottāna;-pāṇi-yugmena śobhitam ||5||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
[Dattātreya was] adorned (śobhitam | acc sg) by a firm lotus posture (dṛḍha-padmāsanena api), with his gaze directed to the tip of his nose (nāsāgrārpitayā dṛśā | ins sg) and with the pair of his upturned hands placed between his thighs (ūru-madhya-gatottāna-pāṇi-yugmena | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 6
tataḥ praṇamya tam ṛṣiṃ; dattātreyaṃ sa sāṃkṛtiḥ | tac-chiṣyaiḥ saha tatraiva; sammukhaṃ copaviṣṭavān ||6||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tataḥ), after this Sāṃkṛti (saḥ sāṃkṛtiḥ | nom sg) had bowed (praṇamya | abs) to that seer (tam ṛṣiṃ | acc sg), Dattātreya (dattātreyaṃ | acc sg), he sat down (upaviṣṭavān | nom sg) right there (tatraiva), together (saha) with his disciples (tacchiṣyaiḥ | ins pl), facing him (saṃmukham | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 7
tadaiva sa munir yogād; viramya sva-puraḥ-sthitam | uvāca sāṃkṛtiṃ prīti;-pūrvakaṃ svāgataṃ vacaḥ ||7||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
At that very moment (tadaiva), that sage (saḥ muniḥ | nom sg), having ceased (viramya | abs) from yoga (yogāt | abl sg), affectionately (prīti-pūrvakam | acc sg) addressed (uvāca | 3p sg act perf) to Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛtiṃ | acc sg), who stood before him (sva-puraḥ-sthitam | acc sg m ppp), the word (vacaḥ | acc sg), “Welcome” (svāgatam | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 8
sāṃkṛte kathaya tvaṃ māṃ; kim uddiśya ihāgataḥ | iti pṛṣṭaḥ sa taṃ prāha; yogaṃ jñātum ihāgataḥ ||8||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
“O Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg), tell me (kathaya tvaṃ mām): with what purpose (kim uddiśya | abs) have you come here (ihāgataḥ | nom sg)?” Asked thus (iti pṛṣṭaḥ | nom sg m ppp), he told him (sa taṃ prāha) that he had come here to learn yoga (yogaṃ jñātum ihāgataḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 9–11: Four Yogas
DYS 9–11: Four Yogas

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 9–11: Mantra, Laya, Haṭha, and Rāja Yoga with Four Stages

Dattātreya distinguishes four forms of yoga and announces Inception, Union, Accumulation, and Perfection as stages of the path he will teach.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 9
śrī-dattātreya uvāca | yogo hi bahudhā brahman; tat sarvaṃ kathayāmi te | mantra-yogo layaś caiva; haṭha-yogas tṛtīyakaḥ ||9||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker and title lines: prose
The venerable Dattātreya spoke (śrīdattātreya uvāca): Yoga (yogaḥ | nom sg) truly has many forms (bahudhā), O Brahmin (brahman | voc sg). I shall tell you (kathayāmi te) all of this (tat sarvam | acc sg): Mantrayoga (mantra-yogaḥ | nom sg), Laya (layaḥ | nom sg), and Haṭhayoga as the third (haṭha-yogas tṛtīyakaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 10
rāja-yogaś caturthaḥ syād; yogānām uttamaḥ smṛtaḥ | ārambhaś ca ghaṭaś caiva; tathā paricayaḥ smṛtaḥ ||10||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Rājayoga (rāja-yogaḥ | nom sg) is to be the fourth [yoga] (caturthaḥ syāt) and is held to be the highest of the yogas (yogānām uttamaḥ smṛtaḥ). Commencement (ārambhaḥ | nom sg), Union (ghaṭaḥ | nom sg), and Accumulation (paricayaḥ | nom sg) are held to be [its stages].
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 11
niṣpattiś cety avasthāś ca; catasraḥ parikīrtitāḥ | eteṣāṃ vistaraṃ vakṣye; yadi tvaṃ śrotum icchasi ||11||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Completion (niṣpattiḥ | nom sg): thus the four stages are proclaimed (avasthāś ca catasraḥ parikīrtitāḥ | nom pl). I shall explain (vakṣye | 1p sg fut) their details (eteṣāṃ vistaram | acc sg), if you wish to hear them (yadi tvaṃ śrotum icchasi).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 12–14: Mantra Yoga
DYS 12–14: Mantra Yoga

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 12–14: Letter Installation, Mantra, and Twelve Years of Practice

After ritually installing the letters of the alphabet, the wise practitioner should recite a mantra; even one may produce a supernatural power. A practitioner...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 12
aṅgeṣu mātṛkā-nyāsa;-pūrvaṃ mantraṃ japet sudhīḥ | ekena cāpi siddhiḥ syān; mantra-yogaḥ sa ucyate ||12||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The wise person (sudhīḥ | nom sg) should recite a mantra (mantraṃ japet), after first installing the letters on the limbs (aṅgeṣu mātṛkā-nyāsa-pūrvam). A supernatural power may arise (siddhiḥ syāt) through even one [mantra] (ekena ca api | ins sg). That is called Mantrayoga (mantra-yogaḥ sa ucyate).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 13
mṛdus tasyādhikārī syād; dvādaśābdais tu sādhanāt | prāyeṇa labhate jñānaṃ; siddhīś caivāṇimādikāḥ ||13||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The person qualified for it (tasya adhikārī | nom sg) is to be weak (mṛduḥ syāt | nom sg). Yet after twelve years (dvādaśābdaiḥ | ins pl) of practice (sādhanāt | abl sg), he generally (prāyeṇa) obtains knowledge (jñānam | acc sg) and the powers (siddhīḥ | acc pl), beginning with Aṇimā (aṇimādikāḥ | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 14
alpa-buddhir imaṃ yogaṃ; sevate sādhakādhamaḥ | mantra-yogo hy ayaṃ prokto; yogānām adhamaḥ smṛtaḥ ||14||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The lowest practitioner (sādhaka-adhamaḥ | nom sg), a person of little understanding (alpa-buddhiḥ | nom sg), undertakes (sevate | 3p sg med pres) this yoga (imaṃ yogam | acc sg). For (hi) this (ayam | nom sg) Mantrayoga (mantra-yogaḥ | nom sg) is taught (proktaḥ | nom sg) and is held to be the lowest among the yogas (yogānām adhamaḥ smṛtaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 15–19: Śiva’s Laya
DYS 15–19: Śiva’s Laya

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 15–19: The Innumerable Methods of Dissolution

Laya Yoga dissolves the mind through esoteric techniques traced to Ādinātha, or Śiva, and to his instruction of the Śabaras.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 15
laya-yogaś citta-layāt; saṃketais tu prajāyate | ādi-nāthena saṃketāḥ; sārdha-koṭiḥ prakīrtitāḥ ||15||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The yoga of dissolution (laya-yogaḥ | nom sg) arises through esoteric techniques (saṃketaiḥ | ins pl) from the dissolution of mind (citta-layāt | abl sg). Ādinātha is said to have proclaimed one and a half crore—that is, fifteen million—such techniques (sārdha-koṭiḥ prakīrtitāḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 16
sāṃkṛtir uvāca | bhagavann ādinātho hi; ko 'yaṃ puruṣa ucyate ||16||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker and title lines: prose
Sāṃkṛti spoke: “O Lord (bhagavan | voc sg), who is this person (ko ’yaṃ puruṣaḥ | nom sg) who is called Ādinātha (ādināthaḥ ucyate)?”
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 17
dattātreya uvāca | mahā-devasya nāmāni; ādi-nāthaś ca bhairavaḥ | śabareśaś ca devo 'yaṃ; līlayā vicaran prabhuḥ ||17||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker and title lines: prose
Dattātreya (dattātreyaḥ | nom sg) spoke (uvāca | 3p sg act perf): The names (nāmāni | nom pl) of the Great God (mahā-devasya | gen sg) [include] Ādinātha (ādi-nāthaḥ | nom sg), Bhairava (bhairavaḥ | nom sg), and Śabareśa (śabareśaḥ | nom sg). In this form, the god (devo ’yam | nom sg) is the powerful Lord (prabhuḥ | nom sg), wandering (vicaran | nom sg) playfully (līlayā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 18
śrīkaṇṭha-parvate gauryā; saha pramatha-nāyakaiḥ | vindhye śrī-parvate caiva; kadalī-vana-gocare ||18||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
[Śabareśa wandered] on Mount Śrīkaṇṭha (śrīkaṇṭha-parvate | loc sg), together with Gaurī (gauryā saha | ins sg) and the leaders of the Pramathas (pramatha-nāyakaiḥ | ins pl), in the Vindhyas (vindhye | loc sg), on Śrīparvata (śrī-parvate | loc sg), and in the region of the banana grove (kadalī-vana-gocare | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 19
giri-kūṭe citra-kūṭe; sa-pāda-niyate girau | kṛpayaikaika-saṃketaṃ; śabarebhyo hi dattavān ||19||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
On Girikūṭa (giri-kūṭe | loc sg) and on Citrakūṭa (citra-kūṭe | loc sg), the mountain marked with footprints (sapādaniyate girau | loc sg), out of compassion (kṛpayā | ins sg) he gave each of the Śabaras (śabarebhyaḥ | dat pl) one esoteric technique (ekaika-saṃketam | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 20–26: Practising Laya
DYS 20–26: Practising Laya

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 20–26: Simple Ways to Dissolve the Mind

Meditation on emptiness, the nose tip, the back of the head, the brow centre or the big toe, together with relaxed lying down, are presented as accessible...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 20
tāni sarvāṇi vaktuṃ hi; nānyaḥ śaknoti taṃ vinā | kāni cit kathayiṣyāmi; sahajābhyāsavat sukham ||20||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
No one other than him (na anyaḥ taṃ vinā) can teach all those [techniques] (tāni sarvāṇi vaktum śaknoti). I shall explain (kathayiṣyāmi) some (kāni cit | acc pl) that consist of natural practices (sahajābhyāsavat) and are easy (sukham).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 21
tiṣṭhan gacchan svapan bhuñjan; dhyāyec chūnyam ahar niśam | ayam eko hi saṃketa; ādināthena bhāṣitaḥ ||21||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Standing (tiṣṭhan | nom sg), walking (gacchan | nom sg), sleeping (svapan | nom sg), and eating (bhuñjan | nom sg), one should meditate (dhyāyet | 3p sg act opt) on emptiness (śūnyam | acc sg) day and night (aharniśam | acc sg). This (ayam | nom sg) is indeed (hi) one (ekaḥ | nom sg) technique (saṃketaḥ | nom sg) proclaimed (bhāṣitaḥ | nom sg) by the First Lord (ādināthena | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 22
nāsāgra-dṛṣṭi-mātreṇa; aparaḥ parikīrtitaḥ | śiraḥ-pāścātya-bhāgasya; dhyānaṃ mṛtyuṃ-jayo 'paraḥ ||22||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Another [method] is proclaimed as consisting merely in gazing at the tip of the nose (nāsāgra-dṛṣṭi-mātreṇa aparaḥ parikīrtitaḥ). Another is meditation on the back part of the head (śiraḥ-pāścātya-bhāgasya dhyānam), which conquers death (mṛtyuṃ-jayaḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 23
bhrū-madhya-dṛṣṭi-mātreṇa; paraḥ saṃketa ucyate | līlā-vibhūti-lepaś ca; uttamaḥ parikīrtitaḥ ||23||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Another esoteric technique (paraḥ saṃketaḥ | nom sg) is taught as consisting merely in gazing between the eyebrows (bhrū-madhya-dṛṣṭi-mātreṇa | ins sg). The application of †līlā† ash (līlā-vibhūti-lepaḥ | nom sg) too is proclaimed to be excellent (uttamaḥ parikīrtitaḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 24
svasya dakṣiṇa-pādasya; aṅguṣṭhe laya uttamaḥ | uttāna-śavavad bhūmau; śayanaṃ cottamottamaḥ ||24||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
An excellent dissolution [of mind] (laya uttamaḥ | nom sg) takes place in the big toe of one’s own right foot (svasya dakṣiṇa-pādasya aṅguṣṭhe | loc sg). Lying on the ground like a corpse on its back (uttāna-śavavad bhūmau śayanam | nom sg) is the very best (uttamottamaḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 25
śithilo nirjane deśe; kuryāc cet siddhim āpnuyāt | evaṃ ca bahu-saṃketān; kathayām āsa śaṅkaraḥ ||25||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
If (cet) one were to perform [this] (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt), relaxed (śithilaḥ | nom sg), in a solitary place (nirjane deśe | loc sg), one would attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) accomplishment (siddhim | acc sg). Thus (evam) Śaṅkara (śaṅkaraḥ | nom sg) related (kathayām āsa | 3p sg act perf) many techniques (bahu-saṃketān | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 26
saṃketair bahubhiś cānyair; yaś cittasya layo bhavet | sa eva laya-yogaḥ syād; haṭha-yogam ataḥ śṛṇu ||26||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The dissolution of mind (cittasya layaḥ | nom sg) that arises through [these and] many other techniques (saṃketair bahubhiś cānyaiḥ | ins pl) is precisely Layayoga (sa eva laya-yogaḥ syāt). Now hear Haṭhayoga (haṭha-yogam ataḥ śṛṇu).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 27–31: Survey of Haṭha
DYS 27–31: Survey of Haṭha

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 27–31: Eight Limbs and Kapila’s Physical Methods

The text places an eight-limbed yoga beside Kapila’s Haṭha system and lists mudrās, bandhas, inversion, Vajrolī, Amarolī, and Sahajolī.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 27
yamaś ca niyamaś caiva; āsanaṃ ca tataḥ param | prāṇāyāmaś caturthaḥ syāt; pratyāhāras tu pañcamaḥ ||27||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Yama (yamaḥ | nom sg) and (ca) Niyama (niyamaḥ | nom sg), then Āsana (āsanam | nom sg), and thereafter (tataḥ param) Prāṇāyāma (prāṇāyāmaḥ | nom sg) are the first four [limbs] (caturthaḥ syāt); Pratyāhāra (pratyāhāraḥ | nom sg) is the fifth (pañcamaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 28
tatas tu dhāraṇā proktā; dhyānaṃ saptamam ucyate | samādhir aṣṭamaḥ proktaḥ; sarva-puṇya-phala-pradaḥ ||28||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tataḥ) concentration (dhāraṇā | nom sg) is taught [as the sixth limb] (proktā | nom sg), and meditation (dhyānam | nom sg) is called the seventh [limb] (saptamam ucyate). Samādhi (samādhiḥ | nom sg) is taught as the eighth [limb] (aṣṭamaḥ proktaḥ) and grants the fruit of every merit (sarva-puṇya-phala-pradaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 29
evam aṣṭāṅga-yogaṃ ca; yājñavalkyādayo viduḥ | kapilādyās tathā siddhā; haṭhaṃ kuryus tad-anyathā ||29||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Thus Yājñavalkya and others (yājñavalkyādayaḥ | nom pl) knew (viduḥ | 3p pl perf) eight-limbed yoga (aṣṭāṅga-yogam | acc sg). Likewise, accomplished adepts such as Kapila (kapilādyāḥ siddhāḥ | nom pl) practised Haṭha differently from that [eight-limbed yoga] (haṭhaṃ kuryus tad-anyathā).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 30
tad yathā ca mahā-mudrā; mahā-bandhas tathaiva ca | tataś ca khecarī-mudrā; bandho jālandharas tathā ||30||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
And that [Haṭha] is as follows (tad yathā ca): Mahāmudrā (mahā-mudrā | nom sg), Mahābandha (mahā-bandhaḥ | nom sg), then Khecarīmudrā (tataś ca khecarī-mudrā | nom sg), and likewise Jālandhara Bandha (bandho jālandharaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 31
uḍḍiyāṇaṃ mūla-bandho; viparīta-kṛtis tathā | vajrolī cāmarolī ca; sahajolī tridhā matā ||31||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Uḍḍiyāṇa (uḍḍiyāṇam | nom sg), Mūlabandha (mūla-bandhaḥ | nom sg), and Viparītakṛti (viparīta-kṛtiḥ | nom sg) likewise [belong to it]. Vajrolī (vajrolī | nom sg), Amarolī (amarolī | nom sg), and Sahajolī (sahajolī | nom sg) are held to be threefold (tridhā matā).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 32–33: Yama and Niyama
DYS 32–33: Yama and Niyama

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 32–33: Moderate Food and Nonviolence as Core Restraints

From the traditional groups of yamas and niyamas, Dattātreya singles out moderate eating and nonviolence as decisive rules for this practice.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 32
eteṣāṃ lakṣaṇaṃ vakṣye; kartavyaṃ ca viśeṣataḥ | yamā ye daśa saṃproktā; ṛṣibhis tattva-darśibhiḥ ||32||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
I shall explain the defining features of these [techniques] (eteṣāṃ lakṣaṇaṃ vakṣye) and, in particular, what is to be done (kartavyaṃ ca viśeṣataḥ). The seers who see reality (ṛṣibhis tattva-darśibhiḥ | ins pl) have proclaimed ten Yamas (yamā ye daśa saṃproktāḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 33
laghv-āhāras tu teṣv eko; mukhyo bhavati nāpare | ahiṃsā niyameṣv ekā; mukhyā bhavati sāṃkṛte ||33||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Among these [Yamas], light diet (laghvāhāraḥ | nom sg) is the one foremost rule, not the others (teṣv eko mukhyo bhavati nāpare). Among the Niyamas, nonviolence (ahiṃsā | nom sg f) is the one foremost rule (niyameṣv ekā mukhyā bhavati), O Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 34–38: Padmāsana
DYS 34–38: Padmāsana

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 34–38: Lotus Pose, Breath, and the Start of Practice

Among the many seats, Padmāsana is especially effective; posture, gaze, tongue position, and slow inhalation and exhalation prepare the practice that follows.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 34
catur-āśīti-lakṣeṣu; āsaneṣūttamaṃ śṛṇu | ādi-nāthena saṃproktaṃ; padmāsanam ihocyate ||34||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Among the 8,400,000 (catur-āśīti-lakṣeṣu | loc pl) postures (āsaneṣu | loc pl), hear (śṛṇu | 2p sg act imp) the best (uttamam | acc sg n). The lotus posture (padma-āsanam | nom sg) taught (saṃproktam | nom sg n ppp) by Ādinātha (ādi-nāthena | ins sg) is described (ucyate | 3p sg pas pres) here (iha).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 35
uttānau caraṇau kṛtvā; ūru-saṃsthau prayatnataḥ | ūru-madhye tathottānau; pāṇī kṛtvā tato dṛśau ||35||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having placed (kṛtvā | abs) the upturned (uttānau | acc du m) feet (caraṇau | acc du) carefully (prayatnataḥ) on the thighs (ūru-saṃsthau | acc du m), and likewise (tathā) placed the two upturned (uttānau | acc du m) hands (pāṇī | acc du) between the thighs (ūru-madhye | loc sg), [one then directs] (tataḥ) the two eyes (dṛśau | acc du).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 36
nāsāgre vinyased rāja;-danta-mūlaṃ ca jihvayā | uttabhya cibukaṃ vakṣasy; āsthāpya pavanaṃ śanaiḥ ||36||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
One should fix [the eyes] on the tip of the nose (nāsāgre vinyaset) and raise the base of the uvula with the tongue (rāja-danta-mūlaṃ ca jihvayā uttabhya). Having placed the chin on the chest (cibukaṃ vakṣasy āsthāpya), one should [draw in] the breath slowly (pavanaṃ śanaiḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 37
yathā-śaktyā samākṛṣya; pūrayed udaraṃ śanaiḥ | yathā-śaktyaiva paścāt tu; recayet pavanaṃ śanaiḥ ||37||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having drawn [the breath] in according to one’s capacity (yathāśaktyā samākṛṣya | abs), one should slowly (śanaiḥ) fill (pūrayet | 3p sg act opt) the abdomen (udaram | acc sg). Afterwards (paścāt), one should exhale (recayet | 3p sg act opt) the breath (pavanam | acc sg), equally according to one’s capacity (yathāśaktyaiva), slowly (śanaiḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 38
idaṃ padmāsanaṃ proktaṃ; sarva-vyādhi-vināśanam | durlabhaṃ yena kenāpi; dhīmatā labhyate bhuvi ||38||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
This is called Padmāsana (idaṃ padmāsanaṃ proktam), and it destroys all diseases (sarva-vyādhi-vināśanam). It is difficult for just anyone to attain (durlabhaṃ yena kenāpi); in this world it is attained by an intelligent person (dhīmatā labhyate bhuvi).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 39–42: Practice Matters
DYS 39–42: Practice Matters

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 39–42: Success in Yoga Is Open to Every Serious Practitioner

Age, health, social position, and religious identity do not decide success: regular practice, perseverance, and confidence in the path do.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 39
sāṃkṛte śṛṇu sattva-stho; yogābhyāsa-kramaṃ mayā | vakṣyamāṇaṃ prayatnena; yogānāṃ sarva-lakṣaṇaiḥ ||39||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
O Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg), listen attentively (sattvasthaḥ | nom sg) to the sequence of yoga practice (yogābhyāsa-kramam | acc sg), which I shall carefully explain (mayā prayatnena) together with all the defining features of the yogas (yogānāṃ sarva-lakṣaṇaiḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 40
yuvāvastho 'pi vṛddho vā; vyādhito vā śanaiḥ śanaiḥ | abhyāsāt siddhim āpnoti; sarva-yogeṣv atandritaḥ ||40||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Whether young, old, or ill (yuvāvastho ’pi vṛddho vā vyādhito vā), a person gradually (śanaiḥ śanaiḥ) attains accomplishment in all yogas (sarva-yogeṣu | loc pl) through practice (abhyāsāt | abl sg), provided he is untiring (atandritaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 41
brāhmaṇaḥ śramaṇo vāpi; bauddho vāpy ārhato 'pi vā | kāpāliko vā cārvākaḥ; śraddhayā sahitaḥ sudhīḥ ||41||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Whether someone is a Brahmin (brāhmaṇaḥ | nom sg), an ascetic (śramaṇaḥ | nom sg), a Buddhist (bauddhaḥ | nom sg), a Jain (ārhataḥ | nom sg), a Kāpālika (kāpālikaḥ | nom sg), or a Cārvāka (cārvākaḥ | nom sg), [what matters is] an intelligent person (sudhīḥ | nom sg) endowed (sahitaḥ | nom sg) with faith (śraddhayā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 42
yogābhyāsa-rato nityaṃ; sarva-siddhim avāpnuyāt | kriyā-yuktasya siddhiḥ syād; akriyasya kathaṃ bhavet ||42||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
If constantly (nityam) devoted to yoga practice (yogābhyāsa-rataḥ | nom sg), one can attain (avāpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) every accomplishment (sarva-siddhim | acc sg). Accomplishment (siddhiḥ | nom sg) may arise for one engaged in practice (kriyā-yuktasya | gen sg); how (katham) could it arise (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) for one without practice (akriyasya | gen sg)?
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 43–49: False Yogis
DYS 43–49: False Yogis

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 43–49: Outer Signs Cannot Replace Practice

Clothing, hairstyle, religious speech, and public performance do not make a yogi; those who live from yoga without practising deceive others and obstruct the...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 43
na śāstra-pāṭha-mātreṇa; yoga-siddhiḥ prajāyate | muṇḍito daṇḍa-dhārī vā; kāṣāya-vasano 'pi vā ||43||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Accomplishment in yoga does not arise (na yoga-siddhiḥ prajāyate) merely through the study of scripture (śāstra-pāṭha-mātreṇa | ins sg), whether one has a shaven head (muṇḍitaḥ), carries a staff (daṇḍa-dhārī), or wears ochre robes (kāṣāya-vasanaḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 44
nārāyaṇa-vado vāpi; jaṭilo bhasma-lepanaḥ | namaḥ-śivāya-vākyo vā; bāhyārcā-pūjako 'pi vā ||44||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
[One may] say “Nārāyaṇa” (nārāyaṇa-vadaḥ | nom sg), wear matted hair (jaṭilaḥ | nom sg), and be smeared with ash (bhasma-lepanaḥ | nom sg); or have “Namaḥ Śivāya” as one’s utterance (namaḥ-śivāya-vākyaḥ | nom sg), or be a worshipper of external images (bāhya-arcā-pūjakaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 45
sthāna-dvādaśa-puṇḍro vā; mālābhir bahu-bhūṣitaḥ | kriyā-vihīno vā krūraḥ; kathaṃ siddhim avāpnuyāt ||45||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
[One may] be marked with Puṇḍra signs at twelve places (sthāna-dvādaśa-puṇḍraḥ | nom sg) or richly adorned (bahu-bhūṣitaḥ | nom sg) with necklaces (mālābhiḥ | ins pl). If devoid of practice (kriyā-vihīnaḥ | nom sg) or cruel (krūraḥ | nom sg), how (katham) could one attain (avāpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) accomplishment (siddhim | acc sg)?
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 46
na veṣa-dhāraṇaṃ siddheḥ; kāraṇaṃ na ca tat-kathā | kriyaiva kāraṇaṃ siddheḥ; satyam eva tu sāṃkṛte ||46||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Neither (na) wearing religious garb (veṣa-dhāraṇam | nom sg) nor (na ca) talk about it (tat-kathā | nom sg) is the cause (kāraṇam | nom sg) of accomplishment (siddheḥ | gen sg). Practice (kriyā | nom sg) alone (eva) is the cause (kāraṇam | nom sg) of accomplishment. This is indeed (tu) true (satyam), O Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 47
śiśnodarārthaṃ yogasya; kathayā veṣa-dhāriṇaḥ | anuṣṭhāna-vihīnās tu; vañcayanti janān kila ||47||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
In order to satisfy penis and belly (śiśnodarārtham), wearers of religious garb (veṣa-dhāriṇaḥ | nom pl) who are devoid of actual practice (anuṣṭhāna-vihīnāḥ | nom pl) deceive (vañcayanti | 3p pl act pres) people (janān | acc pl) by talking about yoga (yogasya kathayā).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 48
uccāvacair vipralambhair; yatante 'kuśalā narāḥ | yogino vayam ity evaṃ; mūḍhā bhoga-parāyaṇāḥ ||48||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Malevolent men (akuśalā narāḥ | nom pl) exert themselves through all manner of deceptions (uccāvacair vipralambhaiḥ | ins pl). “We are yogins” (yogino vayam iti), say these fools (mūḍhāḥ | nom pl), wholly devoted to enjoyment (bhoga-parāyaṇāḥ | nom pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 49
śanais tathā-vidhān jñātvā; yogābhyāsa-vivarjitān | kṛtārthān vacanair eva; varjayed veṣa-dhāriṇaḥ ||49||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having gradually (śanaiḥ) recognized (jñātvā | abs) that such people (tathā-vidhān | acc pl) lack yoga practice (yogābhyāsa-vivarjitān | acc pl) and have achieved their purpose by words alone (kṛtārthān vacanaiḥ eva | acc pl), one should avoid (varjayet | 3p sg act opt) these wearers of religious garb (veṣa-dhāriṇaḥ | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 50–53: Obstacles
DYS 50–53: Obstacles

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 50–53: Laziness, Bad Company, and Seductive Detours

The text names laziness, the company of rogues, magical work with mantras, alchemy, and the search for buried treasure as obstacles. Like mirages, they should...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 50
yatas te vighna-bhūtāḥ syur; yogābhyāsasya sarvadā | varjayet tat prayatnena; sadṛśān buddhi-jān priyān ||50||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Because they (yatas te) would always be obstacles to yoga practice (vighna-bhūtāḥ syur yogābhyāsasya sarvadā), one should therefore (tat), carefully (prayatnena), avoid people like them (sadṛśān varjayet), including those whom one’s own mind produces as dear (buddhi-jān priyān | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 51
prathamābhyāsa-kāle tu; vighnāḥ syur vividhā mune | ālasyaṃ prathamo vighno; dvitīyas tu prakathyate ||51||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
At the beginning of practice (prathamābhyāsa-kāle | loc sg), various (vividhāḥ | nom pl) obstacles (vighnāḥ | nom pl) arise (syuḥ | 3p pl act opt), O sage (mune | voc sg). Laziness (ālasyam | nom sg) is the first (prathamaḥ | nom sg) obstacle (vighnaḥ | nom sg); the second (dvitīyaḥ | nom sg) is now to be named (prakathyate | 3p sg pas pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 52
pūrvokta-dhūrta-goṣṭhī ca; tṛtīyo mantra-sādhanam | caturtho dhātu-vādaḥ syāt; pañcamaḥ khanya-vādakam ||52||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The previously mentioned company of rogues (pūrvokta-dhūrta-goṣṭhī | nom sg) is [the second obstacle]; the third is magic by means of mantras (mantra-sādhanam | nom sg), the fourth alchemy (dhātu-vādaḥ | nom sg), and the fifth the science of digging for buried treasure (khanya-vādakam | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 53
evaṃ bahu-vidhā vighnā; mṛga-tṛṣṇā-samā mune | sthirāsanasya jāyante; tān jñātvā saṃtyajet sudhīḥ ||53||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Thus many kinds of obstacles (bahu-vidhā vighnāḥ | nom pl), like a mirage (mṛga-tṛṣṇā-samāḥ | nom pl), arise for one who is steady in posture (sthira-āsanasya | gen sg), O sage. Having recognized them (tān jñātvā), the discerning person should abandon them completely (saṃtyajet sudhīḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 54–59: The Yogi’s Hut
DYS 54–59: The Yogi’s Hut

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 54–59: A Protected Place for Concentrated Practice

The ideal hut has a small opening but no other holes or damaged places, is clean, free from animals and disturbance, and furnished with a suitable seat; there...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 54
prāṇāyāmaṃ tataḥ kuryāt; padmāsana-gataḥ sadā | su-śobhanaṃ maṭhaṃ kuryāt; sūkṣma-dvāraṃ tu nir-vraṇam ||54||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
After that (tataḥ), while always seated in the lotus posture (padmāsana-gataḥ | nom sg m ppp), he should practise breath control (prāṇāyāmaṃ | acc sg). He should make (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) a beautiful hut (suśobhanaṃ maṭham | acc sg) with a small opening (sūkṣma-dvāram | acc sg), but (tu) without holes (nirvraṇam | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 55
suṣṭhu liptaṃ gomayena; sudhayā vā prayatnataḥ | matkuṇair maśakair lūtair; varjitaṃ ca prayatnataḥ ||55||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
It should be thickly (suṣṭhu) and carefully (prayatnataḥ) smeared (liptam | acc sg n ppp) with cow dung (gomayena | ins sg) or (vā) whitewash (sudhayā | ins sg), and (ca) carefully cleared (varjitam | acc sg n ppp) of bedbugs (matkuṇaiḥ | ins pl), mosquitoes (maśakaiḥ | ins pl), and spiders (lūtaiḥ | ins pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 56
dine dine susaṃmṛṣṭaṃ; saṃmārjanyāpy atandritaḥ | vāsitaṃ ca su-gandhena; dhūpitaṃ guggulādibhiḥ ||56||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Day after day (dine dine | loc sg), the tireless practitioner (atandritaḥ | nom sg m) should also (api) keep it well swept (susaṃmṛṣṭam | acc sg n ppp) with a broom (saṃmārjanyā | ins sg), scented (vāsitam | acc sg n ppp) with fine fragrance (sugandhena | ins sg), and (ca) fumigated (dhūpitam | acc sg n ppp) with bdellium and similar substances (guggulādibhiḥ | ins pl m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 57
mala-mūtrādibhir vargair; aṣṭādaśabhir eva ca | varjitaṃ dvāra-sampannaṃ; vastrāvaraṇam eva vā ||57||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
It should be free (varjitam | acc sg n ppp) from the eighteen (aṣṭādaśabhiḥ | ins pl m) types (vargaiḥ | ins pl) [of impurity], beginning with faeces and urine (malamūtrādibhiḥ | ins pl m), and (ca) either (vā) have a door (dvāra-sampannam | acc sg n ppp) or be enclosed only (eva) by a cloth (vastrāvaraṇam | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 58
nāty-unnataṃ nāti-nīcaṃ; para-saṃga-vivarjitam | tasmin maṭhe samāstīrya; āsanaṃ nis-taraṅgakam ||58||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
It should be neither too high (nātyunnatam | acc sg n) nor too low (nātinīcam | acc sg n), and it should be free from other people’s company (parasaṃgavivarjitam | acc sg n). In that hermitage (tasmin maṭhe | loc sg), having spread [a base] (samāstīrya | abs), he should [lay down] a wrinkle-free mat (āsanaṃ nistaraṅgakam | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 59
tatropaviśya medhāvī; padmāsana-samanvitaḥ | ṛju-kāyaḥ prāñjaliś ca; praṇamed iṣṭa-devatām ||59||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having sat down (upaviśya | abs) there (tatra), the wise man (medhāvī | nom sg m) should adopt the lotus posture (padmāsanasamanvitaḥ | nom sg m ppp), keep his body straight (ṛjukāyaḥ | nom sg), join his palms (prāñjaliḥ | nom sg m), and (ca) bow (praṇamet | 3p sg act opt) to his chosen deity (iṣṭadevatām | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 60–66: Prāṇāyāma
DYS 60–66: Prāṇāyāma

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 60–66: Alternate-Nostril Breathing at Four Daily Practice Times

The breath is alternately guided and held through both nostrils; twenty rounds at dawn, midday, sunset, and midnight gradually purify the channels.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 60
tato dakṣiṇa-hastasya; aṅguṣṭhena ca piṅgalām | nirudhya pūrayed vāyum; iḍayā ca śanaiḥ sudhīḥ ||60||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tataḥ) the wise man (sudhīḥ | nom sg) should block (nirudhya | abs) the Piṅgalā channel (piṅgalām | acc sg) with the thumb (aṅguṣṭhena | ins sg) of his right hand (dakṣiṇahastasya | gen sg), and (ca) should gently (śanaiḥ) inhale (pūrayet | 3p sg act opt caus) air (vāyum | acc sg) through Iḍā (iḍayā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 61
yathā-śakty avirodhena; tataḥ kuryāc ca kumbhakam | punas tyajet piṅgalayā; śanair eva na vegataḥ ||61||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tataḥ) he should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) breath retention (kumbhakam | acc sg) according to his capacity (yathāśakti) and without discomfort (avirodhena | ins sg). Next (punar), he should exhale (tyajet | 3p sg act opt) through Piṅgalā (piṅgalayā | ins sg), gently (śanaiḥ), indeed (eva) not (na) forcefully (vegataḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 62
punaḥ piṅgalayāpūrya; pūrayed udaraṃ śanaiḥ | dhārayitvā yathā-śakti; recayed iḍayā śanaiḥ ||62||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Again (punaḥ), having inhaled (āpūrya | abs) through Piṅgalā (piṅgalayā | ins sg), he should gently (śanaiḥ) fill (pūrayet | 3p sg act opt caus) his abdomen (udaram | acc sg). Having held [his breath] (dhārayitvā | abs) for as long as he can (yathāśakti), he should gently (śanaiḥ) exhale (recayet | 3p sg act opt) through Iḍā (iḍayā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 63
yayā tyajet tayāpūrya; dhārayed avirodhataḥ | evaṃ prātaḥ samāsīnaḥ; kuryād viṃśati kumbhakān | kumbhakaḥ sahito nāma; sarva-graha-vivarjitaḥ ||63||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through whichever [channel] (yayā | ins sg f) he exhales (tyajet | 3p sg act opt), through that same one (tayā | ins sg f) he should inhale (āpūrya | abs) and hold [his breath] (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt caus) without discomfort (avirodhataḥ). In this way (evam), seated (samāsīnaḥ | nom sg m) in the morning (prātaḥ), he should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) twenty (viṃśati | acc pl) breath retentions (kumbhakān | acc pl). The breath retention (kumbhakaḥ | nom sg) is called (nāma) “accompanied” (sahitaḥ | nom sg m) and is said to be entirely free from grasping or malign influence (sarvagrahavivarjitaḥ | nom sg m ppp).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 64
evaṃ madhyāhna-samaye; kuryād viṃśati kumbhakān | evaṃ sāyaṃ prakurvīta; punar viṃśati kumbhakān ||64||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
In this way (evam), at midday (madhyāhnasamaye | loc sg), he should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) twenty (viṃśati) breath retentions (kumbhakān | acc pl). Likewise (evam), in the evening (sāyam) he should again (punar) perform (prakurvīta | 3p sg med opt) twenty (viṃśati) breath retentions (kumbhakān | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 65
evam evārdha-rātre; kuryād viṃśati kumbhakān | kurvīta reca-pūrābhyāṃ; sahitān prativāsaram ||65||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; pāda 1: 7 rather than 8 syllables
In precisely the same way (evam eva), at midnight (ardharātre | loc sg), he should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) twenty (viṃśati) breath retentions (kumbhakān | acc pl). Every day (prativāsaram), he should practise (kurvīta | 3p sg med opt) [retentions] accompanied (sahitān | acc pl m) by exhalation and inhalation (recapūrābhyām | ins du).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 66
sahito reca-pūrābhyāṃ; tasmāt sahita-kumbhakaḥ | kuryād evaṃ catur-vāram; anālasyo dine dine ||66||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Because it is accompanied (sahitaḥ | nom sg m) by exhalation and inhalation (recapūrābhyām | ins du), it is therefore (tasmāt | abl sg n) [called] accompanied breath retention (sahitakumbhakaḥ | nom sg). Energetically (anālasyaḥ | nom sg m), he should practise (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) it in this way (evam) four times (caturvāram | acc sg) every day (dine dine | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 67–68: Fruits of Prāṇāyāma
DYS 67–68: Fruits of Prāṇāyāma

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 67–68: Bodily Signs of Purified Breath Channels

After three months the breath channels are said to be purified. Their perceptible signs are lightness of the body, radiance, and strengthened digestive fire.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 67
evaṃ māsa-trayaṃ kuryān; nāḍī-śuddhis tato bhavet | yadā tu nāḍī-śuddhiḥ syāt; tadā cihnāni bāhyataḥ ||67||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
If he practises (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) in this way (evam) for three months (māsatrayam | acc sg), purification of the channels (nāḍīśuddhiḥ | nom sg) should arise (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) thereafter (tataḥ). When (yadā) purification of the channels (nāḍīśuddhiḥ | nom sg) has occurred (syāt | 3p sg act opt), perceptible signs (cihnāni | nom pl) then (tadā) appear (bāhyataḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 68
jāyante yogino dehe; tāni vakṣyāmy aśeṣataḥ | śarīra-laghutā dīptir; jaṭharāgni-vivardhanam ||68||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
They arise (jāyante | 3p pl med pres) in the body (dehe | loc sg) of the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg); I shall describe (vakṣyāmi | 1p sg fut) them all (tāni | acc pl n) completely (aśeṣataḥ): nimbleness of the body (śarīralaghutā | nom sg), radiance (dīptiḥ | nom sg), and an increase in the digestive fire (jaṭharāgnivivardhanam | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 69–72: Avoid and Support
DYS 69–72: Avoid and Support

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 69–72: Unhelpful Habits and Beneficial Food

A lean body appears as a further sign. Salt, mustard, sour, hot, dry, and pungent food, overeating, sexual contact, frequent travel, tending a fire, and the...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 69
kṛśatvaṃ ca śarīrasya; tadā jāyeta niścitam | tadā varjyāni vakṣyāmi; yoga-vighna-karāṇi tu ||69||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Leanness (kṛśatvam | nom sg n) of the body (śarīrasya | gen sg) is then (tadā) sure (niścitam) to arise (jāyeta | 3p sg med opt). Next (tadā) I shall state (vakṣyāmi | 1p sg fut) the things to be avoided (varjyāni | acc pl n pfp), namely those that create obstacles to yoga (yogavighnakarāṇi | acc pl n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 70
lavaṇaṃ sarṣapaś cāmlam; uṣṇaṃ rūkṣaṃ ca tīkṣṇakam | atīva bhojanaṃ tyājyaṃ; strī-saṃgaṃ gamanaṃ bahu ||70||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Salt (lavaṇam | acc sg), mustard (sarṣapaḥ | nom sg), sour food (amlam | acc sg), hot food (uṣṇam | acc sg n), dry food (rūkṣam | acc sg n), and spicy food (tīkṣṇakam | acc sg n) [are to be avoided]. Excessive (atīva) eating (bhojanam | acc sg), the company of women (strīsaṃgam | acc sg), and much travelling (gamanaṃ bahu | acc sg) are also to be avoided (tyājyam | acc sg n pfp).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 71
agni-sevā tu saṃtyajyā; dhūrta-goṣṭhīś ca saṃtyajet | upāyaṃ ca pravakṣyāmi; kṣipra-yoga-prasiddhaye ||71||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Tending a fire (agnisevā | nom sg) is to be completely abandoned (saṃtyajyā | nom sg f pfp), and (ca) he should avoid (saṃtyajet | 3p sg act opt) gatherings of rogues (dhūrtagoṣṭhīḥ | acc pl). I shall now teach (pravakṣyāmi | 1p sg fut) a means (upāyam | acc sg) for quick success in yoga (kṣiprayogaprasiddhaye | dat sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 72
kṣīraṃ ghṛtaṃ ca miṣṭānnaṃ; mitāhāraś ca śasyate | pūrvokta-kāle kurvīta; pavanābhyāsam eva ca ||72||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Milk (kṣīram | acc sg), ghee (ghṛtam | acc sg), sweet food (miṣṭānnam | acc sg), and (ca) a measured diet (mitāhāraḥ | nom sg) are prescribed (śasyate | 3p sg pas pres). He should perform (kurvīta | 3p sg med opt) breath practice (pavanābhyāsam | acc sg) at the previously stated times (pūrvoktakāle | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 73–78: Kevala Kumbhaka
DYS 73–78: Kevala Kumbhaka

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 73–78: From Assisted Retention to Spontaneous Stillness

Practice with inhalation and exhalation gives rise to a retention without either movement; as it stabilises, lightness and unusual abilities appear.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 73
tataḥ paraṃ yatheṣṭaṃ tu; śaktaḥ syād vāyu-dhāraṇe | yatheṣṭaṃ dhāraṇād vāyoḥ; sidhyet kevala-kumbhakaḥ ||73||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
After that (tataḥ param), he should be (syāt | 3p sg act opt) able (śaktaḥ | nom sg m) to hold the breath (vāyudhāraṇe | loc sg) as long as he wishes (yatheṣṭam | acc sg n ppp). By holding (dhāraṇāt | abl sg) the breath (vāyoḥ | gen sg) as long as desired (yatheṣṭam | acc sg n ppp), unaccompanied breath retention (kevalakumbhakaḥ | nom sg) should be mastered (sidhyet | 3p sg act opt).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 74
kevale kumbhake siddhe; reca-pūra-vivarjite | na tasya durlabhaṃ kiṃcit; triṣu lokeṣu vidyate ||74||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
When unaccompanied breath retention (kevale kumbhake | loc sg) has been mastered (siddhe | loc sg m ppp) and is without exhalation and inhalation (recapūravivarjite | loc sg m ppp), there does not (na) exist (vidyate | 3p sg med pres) anything (kiṃ cit | nom sg n) in the three worlds (triṣu lokeṣu | loc pl) that is difficult (durlabham | nom sg n) for him (tasya | gen sg m) to attain.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 75
prasvedo jāyate pūrvaṃ; mardanaṃ tena kārayet | tato 'pi dhāraṇād vāyoḥ; krameṇaiva śanaiḥ śanaiḥ ||75||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
At first (pūrvam) sweat (prasvedaḥ | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres). He should have a massage (mardanam | acc sg) performed (kārayet | 3p sg act opt caus) with it (tena | ins sg m). Then (tataḥ api), as a result of the retention (dhāraṇāt | abl sg) of the breath (vāyoḥ | gen sg) being increased step by step (krameṇa | ins sg) only (eva) and very gently (śanaiḥ śanaiḥ), [the trembling named in the following verse arises].
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 76
kampo bhavati dehasya; āsana-sthasya yoginaḥ | tato 'dhikatarābhyāsād; dardurī jāyate dhruvam ||76||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Trembling (kampaḥ | nom sg) arises (bhavati | 3p sg act pres) in the body (dehasya | gen sg) of the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg) while he is seated in his posture (āsanasthasya | gen sg m). Through a further increase in practice (adhikatarābhyāsāt | abl sg), the frog power (dardurī | nom sg) is sure (dhruvam) to arise (jāyate | 3p sg med pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 77
yathā tu darduro gacched; utplutyotplutya bhūtale | padmāsana-sthito yogī; tathā gacchati bhūtale ||77||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Just as (yathā) a frog (darduraḥ | nom sg) moves (gacchet | 3p sg act opt) across the ground (bhūtale | loc sg) by repeatedly hopping (utplutyotplutya | abs), so (tathā) the yogi (yogī | nom sg), seated in the lotus posture (padmāsanasthitaḥ | nom sg m ppp), moves (gacchati | 3p sg act pres) across the ground (bhūtale | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 78
tato 'dhikatarābhyāsād; bhūmi-tyāgaś ca jāyate | padmāsana-stha evāsau; bhūmim aspṛśya vartate ||78||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through a further increase in practice (adhikatarābhyāsāt | abl sg), rising from the ground (bhūmityāgaḥ | nom sg) also (ca) occurs (jāyate | 3p sg med pres). Remaining in the lotus posture (padmāsanasthaḥ | nom sg m), that [yogi] (asau | nom sg m) abides (vartate | 3p sg med pres) without touching (aspṛśya | abs) the ground (bhūmim | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 79–83: Power and Bhūcarasiddhi
DYS 79–83: Power and Bhūcarasiddhi

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 79–83: Reduced Needs, Resilience, and Power over Land Animals

The yogi is said to eat little or much without distress, sleep little, and remain free from bodily impurities. As strength grows, the text attributes to him...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 79
nir-ādhāro vicitraṃ hi; tadā sāmarthyam udbhavet | alpaṃ vā bahu vā bhuktvā; yogī na vyathate tadā ||79||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Without support (nirādhāraḥ | nom sg m), an amazing (vicitraṃ | nom sg n) capability (sāmarthyam | nom sg) then (tadā) arises (udbhavet | 3p sg act opt). Whether he has eaten (bhuktvā | abs) a little (alpam | acc sg n) or (vā) a lot (bahu | acc sg n), the yogi (yogī | nom sg) is then (tadā) not (na) troubled (vyathate | 3p sg med pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 80
alpa-mūtra-purīṣaḥ syād; alpa-nidrā ca jāyate | krimayo dūṣikā lālā; svedo dur-gandhatā tanoḥ ||80||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
He should be (syāt | 3p sg act opt) one with little urine and faeces (alpamūtrapurīṣaḥ | nom sg m), and (ca) little sleep (alpanidrā | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres). Worms (krimayaḥ | nom pl), rheum (dūṣikā | nom sg), slobber (lālā | nom sg), sweat (svedaḥ | nom sg), and bad odour (durgandhatā | nom sg) of the body (tanoḥ | gen sg) [are listed as ailments].
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 81
etāni sarvadā tasya; na jāyante tataḥ param | tato 'dhikatarābhyāsād; balam utpadyate bhṛśam ||81||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
From then on (tataḥ param), these (etāni | nom pl n) never (na sarvadā) arise (jāyante | 3p pl med pres) for him (tasya | gen sg m). Through a further increase in practice (adhikatarābhyāsāt | abl sg), great (bhṛśam) strength (balam | nom sg) arises (utpadyate | 3p sg med pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 82
yena bhū-cara-siddhiḥ syād; bhū-carāṇāṃ jaye kṣamaḥ | vyāghro lulāyo vanyo vā; gavayo gaja eva vā ||82||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through this (yena | ins sg n), he should gain power over animals (bhūcarasiddhiḥ | nom sg) and become capable (kṣamaḥ | nom sg m) of overcoming (jaye | loc sg) animals (bhūcarāṇām | gen pl): a tiger (vyāghraḥ | nom sg), a buffalo (lulāyaḥ | nom sg), a wild (vanyaḥ | nom sg m) gayal (gavayaḥ | nom sg), or even (eva) an elephant (gajaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 83
siṃho vā yoginā tena; mriyante hasta-tāḍitāḥ | kandarpasya yathā rūpaṃ; tathā tasyāpi yoginaḥ ||83||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
A lion (siṃhaḥ | nom sg) too (vā) [is included]: these [animals] are killed (mriyante | 3p pl med pres), struck by the hand (hastatāḍitāḥ | nom pl m ppp) of that yogi (yoginā tena | ins sg). Just as (yathā) the appearance (rūpam | nom sg) of Kandarpa (kandarpasya | gen sg), so (tathā) is that (tasya | gen sg m) of the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg) too (api).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 84–86: Preserving Bindu
DYS 84–86: Preserving Bindu

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 84–86: Sexual Restraint as Protection of Vital Power

Women are said to desire sex with the beautiful yogi; if he yields, he loses bindu, lifespan, and strength. He should therefore avoid association with women...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 84
tasmin kāle mahā-vighno; yoginaḥ syāt pramādataḥ | tad-rūpa-vaśagā nāryaḥ; kāṃkṣante tasya saṃgamam ||84||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
At that time (tasmin kāle | loc sg), a great obstacle (mahāvighnaḥ | nom sg) can arise (syāt | 3p sg act opt) for the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg) through carelessness (pramādataḥ | abl sg). Captivated by his beauty (tadrūpavaśagāḥ | nom pl f), women (nāryaḥ | nom pl) desire (kāṃkṣante | 3p pl med pres) sexual intercourse (saṃgamam | acc sg) with him (tasya | gen sg m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 85
yadi saṃgaṃ karoty evaṃ; bindus tasya vinaśyati | āyuḥ-kṣayo bindu-nāśād; asāmarthyaṃ ca jāyate ||85||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
If (yadi) he has sexual intercourse (saṃgam | acc sg) in this way (evam), doing so (karoti | 3p sg act pres) causes his (tasya | gen sg m) semen (binduḥ | nom sg) to be lost (vinaśyati | 3p sg act pres). Through the loss of semen (bindunāśāt | abl sg), his lifespan is diminished (āyuḥkṣayaḥ | nom sg), and (ca) weakness (asāmarthyam | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 86
tasmāt strīṇāṃ saṃga-varjaṃ; kuryād abhyāsam ādarāt | yogino 'ṅge su-gandhaḥ syāt; satataṃ bindu-dhāraṇāt ||86||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg n), he should carefully (ādarāt | abl sg) carry out (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) his practice (abhyāsam | acc sg), avoiding association (saṃgavarjam | acc sg m) with women (strīṇām | gen pl). Through constant (satatam) retention of semen (bindudhāraṇāt | abl sg), a pleasant smell (sugandhaḥ | nom sg) should arise (syāt | 3p sg act opt) in the body (aṅge | loc sg) of the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 87–88: Oṃ
DYS 87–88: Oṃ

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 87–88: Three-Mora Oṃ Recitation to Preserve Bindu

Because bindu must be protected with every effort, the yogi sits in a secluded place and recites Oṃ with a three-mora *pluta* extension. The recitation is...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 87
tasmāt sarva-prayatnena; bindū rakṣyo hi yoginā | tato rahasy upāviṣṭaḥ; praṇavaṃ pluta-mātrayā ||87||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg n), the yogi (yoginā | ins sg) should make every effort (sarvaprayatnena | ins sg) to preserve (rakṣyaḥ | nom sg m pfp) his semen (binduḥ | nom sg). Then (tataḥ), having sat down (upāviṣṭaḥ | nom sg m ppp) in a secluded place (rahasi | loc sg), [he should chant] the syllable Oṃ (praṇavam | acc sg) with threefold prolongation (plutamātrayā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 88
japet pūrvārjitānāṃ tu; pāpānāṃ nāśa-hetave | sarva-vighna-haraś cāyaṃ; praṇavaḥ sarva-doṣa-hā ||88||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
He should chant it (japet | 3p sg act opt) in order to destroy (nāśahetave | dat sg) previously accumulated (pūrvārjitānām | gen pl n ppp) bad deeds (pāpānām | gen pl). This (ayam | nom sg m) syllable Oṃ (praṇavaḥ | nom sg) removes every obstacle (sarvavighnaharaḥ | nom sg) and destroys every fault (sarvadoṣahā | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 89–93: Stages of Development
DYS 89–93: Stages of Development

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 89–93: From Inception to the Ghaṭa Stage

Practice leads from Inception to Union: Prāṇa and Apāna, mind and breath, and the individual and supreme selves each become one. The earlier fourfold daily...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 89
evam-abhyāsa-yogena; siddhir ārambha-saṃbhavā | tato bhaved ghaṭāvasthā; praṇavābhyāsatas tathā ||89||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
By engaging in practice (abhyāsayogena | ins sg) in this way (evam), mastery (siddhiḥ | nom sg) of the Commencement [Stage] arises (ārambhasaṃbhavā | nom sg f). Then (tataḥ), through practice of Oṃ (praṇavābhyāsataḥ), the Union Stage (ghaṭāvasthā | nom sg) likewise (tathā) arises (bhavet | 3p sg act opt).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 90
prāṇāpānau mano-vāyū; jīvātma-paramātmanau | anyonyasyāvirodhena; ekadhā ghaṭato yadā ||90||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
When (yadā) Prāṇa and Apāna (prāṇāpānau | nom du), mind and breath (manovāyū | nom du), and the individual and supreme selves (jīvātmaparamātmanau | nom du) join in pairs (ghaṭataḥ | 3p du med pres) as one (ekadhā), without obstruction (avirodhena | ins sg) of one another (anyonyasya | gen sg m), [the Union Stage begins].
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 91
tadā ghaṭāhvayāvasthā; prasiddhā yogināṃ smṛtā | tatra cihnāni yāni syus; tāni vakṣyāmi kāni cit ||91||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tadā), the state called Union (ghaṭāhvayāvasthā | nom sg), famous (prasiddhā | nom sg f) among yogis (yoginām | gen pl), is said [to occur] (smṛtā | nom sg f ppp). In it (tatra), I shall describe (vakṣyāmi | 1p sg act fut) some (kāni cit | nom pl n) of the signs (cihnāni | nom pl) that (yāni | nom pl n) may arise (syuḥ | 3p pl act opt).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 92
pūrvaṃ yaḥ kathito 'bhyāsaś; caturdhā taṃ parityajet | divā vā yadi vā rātrau; yāma-mātraṃ samabhyaset ||92||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
He should abandon (parityajet | 3p sg act opt) that (tam | acc sg m) practice (abhyāsaḥ | nom sg), which (yaḥ | nom sg m) was previously (pūrvam) taught (kathitaḥ | nom sg m ppp) as fourfold (caturdhā). He should practise (samabhyaset | 3p sg act opt) for three hours (yāmamātram | acc sg), either by day (divā) or (vā) by night (rātrau | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 93
eka-vāraṃ prati-dinaṃ; kuryāt kevala-kumbhakam | pratyāhāro 'yam eva syād; evaṃ kartur hi yoginaḥ ||93||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Once (ekavāram | acc sg) every day (pratidinam), he should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) unaccompanied breath retention (kevalakumbhakam | acc sg). The withdrawal of the senses (pratyāhāraḥ | nom sg) of this (ayam | nom sg m) yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg), acting (kartuḥ | gen sg) in this way (evam), should be (syāt | 3p sg act opt) precisely (eva) the following.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 94–97: Pratyāhāra
DYS 94–97: Pratyāhāra

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 94–97: Withdrawing the Senses from Their Objects

Whatever the yogi sees, smells, tastes, and touches is to be contemplated as the self. This daily reflection releases the cognitive senses from their habitual...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 94
indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyo; yat pratyāharati sphuṭam | yogī kumbhakam āsthāya; pratyāhāraḥ sa ucyate ||94||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
When (yat) the yogi (yogī | nom sg), while undertaking (āsthāya | abs) breath retention (kumbhakam | acc sg), fully (sphuṭam) withdraws (pratyāharati | 3p sg act pres) the sense organs (indriyāṇi | acc pl) from their objects (indriyārthebhyaḥ | abl pl), it (saḥ | nom sg m) is called (ucyate | 3p sg pas pres) withdrawal (pratyāhāraḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 95
yad yat paśyati cakṣurbhyāṃ; tat tad ātmeti bhāvayet | yad yaj jighrati nāsābhyāṃ; tat tad ātmeti bhāvayet ||95||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Whatever (yad yat | acc sg n) he sees (paśyati | 3p sg act pres) with his eyes (cakṣurbhyām | ins du), he should realise (bhāvayet | 3p sg act opt caus) each thing (tat tat | acc sg n) to be the self (ātmeti). Whatever (yad yat | acc sg n) he smells (jighrati | 3p sg act pres) through his nostrils (nāsābhyām | ins du), he should realise (bhāvayet | 3p sg act opt caus) each thing (tat tat | acc sg n) to be the self (ātmeti).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 96
jihvayā yad rasayati; tat tad ātmeti bhāvayet | tvacā yad yat saṃspṛśati; tat tad ātmeti bhāvayet ||96||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Whatever (yat | acc sg n) he tastes (rasayati | 3p sg act pres) with his tongue (jihvayā | ins sg), he should realise (bhāvayet | 3p sg act opt caus) each thing (tat tat | acc sg n) to be the self (ātmeti). Whatever (yad yat | acc sg n) he touches (saṃspṛśati | 3p sg act pres) with his skin (tvacā | ins sg), he should realise (bhāvayet | 3p sg act opt caus) each thing (tat tat | acc sg n) to be the self (ātmeti).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 97
evaṃ jñānendriyāṇāṃ tu; tat-tat-saṃkhyān tu sādhayet | yāma-mātraṃ prati-dinaṃ; yogī yatnād atandritaḥ ||97||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
In this way (evam), reflecting on (tattatsaṃkhyān | nom sg m pca) each of his organs of knowledge (jñānendriyāṇām | gen pl), he should cultivate [this practice] (sādhayet | 3p sg act opt caus). The yogi (yogī | nom sg) should do so every day (pratidinam) for three hours (yāmamātram | acc sg), carefully (yatnāt) and tirelessly (atandritaḥ | nom sg m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 98–100: Siddhis
DYS 98–100: Siddhis

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 98–100: Extraordinary Abilities of Advanced Practice

The text lists clairaudience, clairvoyance, instantaneous distant travel, speech that always comes true, shape-changing, making things invisible, alchemical...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 98
tadā vicitra-sāmarthyaṃ; yogino jāyate dhruvam | dūra-śrutir dūra-dṛṣṭiḥ; kṣaṇād dūra-gamas tathā ||98||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tadā), the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg) is sure (dhruvam) to develop (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) amazing capabilities (vicitrasāmarthyam | nom sg): distant hearing (dūraśrutiḥ | nom sg), distant sight (dūradṛṣṭiḥ | nom sg), and (tathā) travelling far (dūragamaḥ | nom sg) in an instant (kṣaṇāt | abl sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 99
vāk-siddhiḥ kāma-rūpatvam; adṛśya-karaṇaṃ tathā | mala-mūtra-pralepena; lohānāṃ svarṇatā tathā ||99||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The power of truthful utterance (vāksiddhiḥ | nom sg), shapeshifting (kāmarūpatvam | nom sg n), and the power to make things invisible (adṛśyakaraṇam | nom sg) [arise] likewise (tathā). By smearing with faeces and urine (malamūtrapralepena | ins sg), metals (lohānām | gen pl) likewise (tathā) become gold (svarṇatā | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 100
khe-caratvaṃ ca jāyante; satatābhyāsa-yogataḥ | tathā buddhimatā bhāvyaṃ; yoginā yoga-siddhaye ||100||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The power of moving through space (khecaratvam | nom sg n) also (ca) arises together with [the other powers] (jāyante | 3p pl med pres) through regular application of the practice (satatābhyāsayogataḥ). In this way (tathā), the wise (buddhimatā | ins sg m) yogi (yoginā | ins sg) should contemplate (bhāvyam | nom sg n pfp) in order to attain success in yoga (yogasiddhaye | dat sg).
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DYS 101–102: Siddhi as Obstacle
DYS 101–102: Siddhi as Obstacle

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 101–102: Do Not Display Extraordinary Powers

Because siddhis attract attention and status, the wise yogi should conceal them and continue practising without distraction.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 101
ete vighnā mahā-siddher; na ramet teṣu buddhimān | na darśayec ca lokāya; sva-sāmarthyaṃ ca sarvadā ||101||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
These (ete | nom pl m) [powers] are obstacles (vighnāḥ | nom pl) to ultimate success (mahāsiddheḥ | gen sg). The wise man (buddhimān | nom sg m) should not (na) take pleasure (ramet | 3p sg act opt) in them (teṣu | loc pl m), and (ca) should never (na sarvadā) show (darśayet | 3p sg act opt caus) his capabilities (svasāmarthyam | acc sg) to people (lokāya | dat sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 102
kadā-cid darśayet prītyā; bhakti-yuktāya vā punaḥ | yathā mūko yathā mūḍho; yathā badhira eva vā ||102||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Yet (punaḥ), on occasion (kadā cid), he may show [them] (darśayet | 3p sg act opt caus) out of affection (prītyā | ins sg) to someone endowed with devotion (bhaktiyuktāya | dat sg). [Otherwise he should behave] as if (yathā) dumb (mūkaḥ | nom sg m), as if simple (mūḍhaḥ | nom sg m), or (vā) as if deaf (badhiraḥ | nom sg m).
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DYS 103–105: Students as Obstacle
DYS 103–105: Students as Obstacle

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 103–105: Teaching Must Not Displace One’s Own Practice

Students bring care, duties, and recognition; the yogi should prevent these responsibilities from interrupting regular practice.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 103
tathā varteta lokeṣu; sva-sāmarthyasya guptaye | no cec chiṣyā hi bahavo; bhavanty eva na saṃśayaḥ ||103||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
He should behave (varteta | 3p sg med opt) in this way (tathā) among people (lokeṣu | loc pl) in order to conceal (guptaye | dat sg) his capabilities (svasāmarthyasya | gen sg). If not (no cet), many (bahavaḥ | nom pl m) disciples (śiṣyāḥ | nom pl) will certainly (eva) arise (bhavanti | 3p pl act pres); there is no (na) doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 104
sva-sva-kāryeṣu yogīndraṃ; prārthayanti na saṃśayaḥ | tat-karma-karaṇa-vyagraḥ; svābhyāse vismṛto bhavet ||104||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
They will, without (na) doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg), petition (prārthayanti | 3p pl act pres) the lord among yogis (yogīndram | acc sg) about their various affairs (svasvakāryeṣu | loc pl). Preoccupied with carrying out their tasks (tatkarmakaraṇavyagraḥ | nom sg m), he will become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) forgetful (vismṛtaḥ | nom sg m ppp) of his own practice (svābhyāse | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 105
abhyāsena vihīnas tu; tato laukikatāṃ vrajet | avismṛtya guror vākyam; abhyaset tad ahar niśam ||105||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Deprived (vihīnaḥ | nom sg m ppp) of practice (abhyāsena | ins sg), he will then (tataḥ) enter (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) ordinary life (laukikatām | acc sg). Without forgetting (avismṛtya | abs) the teaching (vākyam | acc sg) of his guru (guroḥ | gen sg), he should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) it (tad | acc sg n) day and night (aharniśam).
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DYS 106–107: Ghaṭa and Paricaya
DYS 106–107: Ghaṭa and Paricaya

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 106–107: From Stable Union to Deep Accumulation

Sustained practice brings about the Ghaṭa stage; idle discussion without practice does not perfect yoga. The yogi should therefore continue with every effort...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 106
evaṃ bhaved ghaṭāvasthā; satatābhyāsa-yogataḥ | anabhyāsena yogasya; vṛthā-goṣṭhyā na sidhyati ||106||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
In this way (evam), the Union Stage (ghaṭāvasthā | nom sg) arises (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) through constant practice (satatābhyāsayogataḥ). Yoga (yogasya | gen sg) is not (na) mastered (sidhyati | 3p sg act pres) through idle (vṛthā) discourse (goṣṭhyā | ins sg) without practice (anabhyāsena | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 107
tasmāt sarva-prayatnena; yogam eva samabhyaset | tataḥ paricayāvasthā; jāyate 'bhyāsa-yogataḥ ||107||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg n), one should make every effort (sarvaprayatnena | ins sg) to practise (samabhyaset | 3p sg act opt) nothing but (eva) yoga (yogam | acc sg). Then (tataḥ), the Accumulation Stage (paricayāvasthā | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) from engaging in the practice (abhyāsayogataḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 108–111: Suṣumnā
DYS 108–111: Suṣumnā

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 108–111: The Breath Enters the Central Channel

The cultivated breath awakens Kuṇḍalī and enters Suṣumnā together with the mind; knowledge of the three times and careful practice in seclusion follow.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 108
vāyuḥ paricito yatnād; agninā saha kuṇḍalīm | bodhayitvā suṣumnāyāṃ; praviśed anirodhataḥ ||108||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The breath (vāyuḥ | nom sg), carefully (yatnāt | abl sg) cultivated (paricitaḥ | nom sg), should, after awakening (bodhayitvā | abs) Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalīm | acc sg) together (saha) with fire (agninā | ins sg), enter (praviśet | 3p sg act opt) Suṣumnā (suṣumnāyām | loc sg) without restraint (anirodhataḥ | abl sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 109
vāyunā saha cittaṃ ca; praviśec ca mahā-patham | mahā-pathaṃ śmaśānaṃ ca; suṣumnāpy ekam eva hi ||109||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Together (saha) with the breath (vāyunā | ins sg), the mind (cittam | nom sg) too (ca) should enter (praviśet | 3p sg act opt) the great channel (mahā-patham | acc sg). The great path (mahā-patham | acc sg), the cremation ground (śmaśānam | acc sg), and (ca) Suṣumnā (suṣumnā | nom sg) too (api) are indeed (hi) just (eva) one (ekam | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 110
nāmnā matāntare bhedaḥ; phala-bhedo na vidyate | vartamānaṃ bhaviṣyaṃ ca; bhūtārthaṃ cāpi vetty asau ||110||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
By name (nāmnā | ins sg) there is a difference (bhedaḥ | nom sg) in other teachings (matāntare | loc sg), but no (na) difference in result (phala-bhedaḥ | nom sg) is found (vidyate | 3p sg med pres). That person (asau | nom sg) knows (vetti | 3p sg act pres) the present (vartamānam | acc sg), the future (bhaviṣyam | acc sg), and (ca) also (api) the past (bhūtārtham | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 111
yasya cittaṃ sa-pavanaṃ; suṣumnāṃ praviśed iha | bhāvyān anarthān vijñāya; yogī rahasi yatnataḥ ||111||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The yogi (yogī | nom sg) whose (yasya | gen sg) mind (cittam | nom sg), together with the breath (sa-pavanam | nom sg n), enters (praviśet | 3p sg act opt) Suṣumnā (suṣumnām | acc sg) here (iha), should, after recognising (vijñāya | abs) future misfortunes (bhāvyān anarthān | acc pl), practise carefully (yatnataḥ) in seclusion (rahasi | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 112–121: Five Elements
DYS 112–121: Five Elements

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 112–121: Dhāraṇā on Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Space

The breath is held successively in five bodily regions. The fixations protect against the elements and death; DYŚ also promises the yogin a wondrous capacity.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 112
pañcadhā dhāraṇaṃ kuryāt; tat-tad-bhūta-bhayāpaham | pṛthivī-dhāraṇaṃ vakṣye; pārthivebhyo bhayāvaham ||112||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
He should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) fixation (dhāraṇam | acc sg) in five ways (pañcadhā), removing danger from each respective element (tat-tad-bhūta-bhayāpaham | acc sg). I shall teach (vakṣye | 1p sg act fut) fixation on earth (pṛthivī-dhāraṇam | acc sg); the critical text literally calls it “danger-bringing” (bhayāvaham | acc sg) for things made of earth (pārthivebhyaḥ | dat pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 113
nābher adho gudasyordhvaṃ; ghaṭikāḥ pañca dhārayet | vāyuṃ tato labhet pṛthvī;-dhāraṇaṃ tad-bhayāpaham ||113||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Below (adhas) the navel (nābheḥ | gen sg) and above (ūrdhvam | acc sg) the anus (gudasya | gen sg), he should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) the breath (vāyum | acc sg) for five ghaṭikās (ghaṭikāḥ pañca | acc pl). From this (tataḥ) he should attain (labhet | 3p sg act opt) fixation on earth (pṛthivī-dhāraṇam | acc sg), which removes danger from it (tad-bhayāpaham | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 114
pṛthivī-saṃbhavo mṛtyur; na bhaved asya yoginaḥ | nābhi-sthāne tato vāyuṃ; dhārayet pañca nāḍikāḥ ||114||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
For this yogi (asya yoginaḥ | gen sg), no (na) death (mṛtyuḥ | nom sg) arising from earth (pṛthivī-saṃbhavaḥ | nom sg) should occur (bhavet | 3p sg act opt). Then (tataḥ) he should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) the breath (vāyum | acc sg) at the navel (nābhi-sthāne | loc sg) for five nāḍikās (pañca nāḍikāḥ | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 115
tato jalād bhayaṃ nāsti; jala-mṛtyur na yoginaḥ | nābhy-ūrdhva-maṇḍale vāyuṃ; dhārayet pañca nāḍikāḥ ||115||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tataḥ) there is (asti | 3p sg act pres) no (na) danger (bhayam | nom sg n) from water (jalāt | abl sg), and no (na) death by water (jala-mṛtyuḥ | nom sg) for the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg). He should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) the breath (vāyum | acc sg) above the navel (nābhy-ūrdhva-maṇḍale | loc sg) for five nāḍikās (pañca nāḍikāḥ | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 116
āgneya-dhāraṇā seyaṃ; na mṛtyus tasya vahninā | na dahyate śarīraṃ ca; praviṣṭasyāgni-kuṇḍake ||116||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
This (seyam | nom sg) is the fire fixation (āgneya-dhāraṇā | nom sg). For him (tasya | gen sg) there is no (na) death (mṛtyuḥ | nom sg) through fire (vahninā | ins sg), and (ca) the body (śarīram | nom sg n) of one who has entered (praviṣṭasya | gen sg m ppp) a fire pit (agni-kuṇḍake | loc sg) is not (na) burned (dahyate | 3p sg pas pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 116*1
sadā vicitra-sāmarthyaṃ; yogino jāyate dhruvam ||116*1||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The wondrous capacity (vicitra-sāmarthyam | nom sg n) of the yogin (yoginaḥ | gen sg) always (sadā) and certainly (dhruvam) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 117
nābhi-bhrū-ghrāṇa-madhye tu; pradeśa-traya-saṃmite | dhārayet pañca ghaṭikā; vāyuṃ saiṣā hi vāyavī ||117||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Between the navel, eyebrows, and nose (nābhi-bhrū-ghrāṇa-madhye | loc sg), in an area measuring three handspans (pradeśa-traya-saṃmite | loc sg), he should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) the breath (vāyum | acc sg) for five ghaṭikās (pañca ghaṭikā | acc pl). This (saiṣā | nom sg) indeed (hi) is the air fixation (vāyavī | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 118
dhāraṇā na tu vāyos tu; bhayaṃ bhavati yoginaḥ | bhrū-madhyād upariṣṭāt tu; dhārayet pañca nāḍikāḥ ||118||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
In this fixation (dhāraṇā | nom sg), no (na) danger (bhayam | nom sg) from air (vāyoḥ | gen sg) occurs (bhavati | 3p sg act pres) for the yogi (yoginaḥ | gen sg). Above (upariṣṭāt | abl sg) the midpoint of the eyebrows (bhrū-madhyāt | abl sg), he should hold [the breath] (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) for five nāḍikās (pañca nāḍikāḥ | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 119
vāyuṃ yogī prayatnena; seyam ākāśa-dhāraṇā | ākāśa-dhāraṇāṃ kurvan; mṛtyuṃ jayati tattvataḥ ||119||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The yogi (yogī | nom sg) should carefully (prayatnena | ins sg) [hold] the breath (vāyum | acc sg). This (seyam | nom sg) is fixation on space (ākāśa-dhāraṇā | nom sg). One who practises (kurvān | nom sg) space fixation (ākāśa-dhāraṇām | acc sg) completely (tattvataḥ) conquers (jayati | 3p sg act pres) death (mṛtyum | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 120
yatra tatra sthito vāpi; sukham atyantam aśnute | evaṃ ca dhāraṇāḥ pañca; kuryād yogī vicakṣaṇaḥ ||120||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Wherever (yatra tatra) he is (sthitaḥ | nom sg), he enjoys (aśnute | 3p sg med pres) boundless (atyantam | acc sg) happiness (sukham | acc sg). Thus (evam) the discerning yogi (yogī vicakṣaṇaḥ | nom sg) should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) the five (pañca | nom pl) fixations (dhāraṇāḥ | nom pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 121
tato dṛḍha-śarīraḥ syān; mṛtyus tasya na vidyate | ity evaṃ pañca-bhūtānāṃ; dhāraṇāṃ yaḥ samabhyaset ||121||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tataḥ) he becomes (syāt | 3p sg act opt) firm-bodied (dṛḍha-śarīraḥ | nom sg), and for him (tasya | gen sg) no (na) death (mṛtyuḥ | nom sg) is found (vidyate | 3p sg med pres). This is the result for one who (yaḥ | nom sg) steadily practises (samabhyaset | 3p sg act opt) fixation (dhāraṇām | acc sg) on the five elements (pañca-bhūtānām | gen pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 122–123: Dhyāna
DYS 122–123: Dhyāna

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 122–123: Meditation on a Wish-Granting Deity

After the elemental fixations, the breath is held for a full day while the yogi meditates on a wish-granting deity; this conditioned meditation is said to...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 122
brahmaṇaḥ pralaye vāpi; mṛtyus tasya na vidyate | samabhyaset tadā dhyānaṃ; ghaṭikāḥ ṣaṣṭim eva ca ||122||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Even (api) at the dissolution (pralaye | loc sg) of Brahmā (brahmaṇaḥ | gen sg), there is no (na) death (mṛtyuḥ | nom sg) for him (tasya | gen sg). Then (tadā) he should practise (samabhyaset | 3p sg act opt) meditation (dhyānam | acc sg) for precisely (eva) sixty (ṣaṣṭim | acc sg) ghaṭikās (ghaṭikāḥ | acc pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 123
vāyuṃ nirudhya dhyāyet tu; devatām iṣṭa-dāyinīm | sa-guṇaṃ dhyānam etat syād; aṇimādi-guṇa-pradam ||123||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having restrained (nirudhya | abs) the breath (vāyum | acc sg), he should meditate (dhyāyet | 3p sg act opt) on the deity (devatām | acc sg) who grants what is desired (iṣṭa-dāyinīm | acc sg f). This (etat | nom sg n) is to be (syāt | 3p sg act opt) conditioned meditation (sa-guṇaṃ dhyānam | nom sg n), bestowing powers beginning with becoming infinitesimal (aṇimādi-guṇa-pradam | nom sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 124: Samādhi
DYS 124: Samādhi

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 124: From the Unconditioned to Absorption

Meditation on the unconditioned, compared to space, leads onto the path of liberation; once it is perfected, the practice of samādhi begins.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 124
nir-guṇaṃ kham iva dhyātvā; mokṣa-mārgaṃ prapadyate | nir-guṇa-dhyāna-saṃpannaḥ; samādhiṃ ca tato'bhyaset ||124||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having meditated (dhyātvā | abs) on the unconditioned (nir-guṇam | acc sg), like (iva) space (kham | acc sg), he enters (prapadyate | 3p sg med pres) the path of liberation (mokṣa-mārgam | acc sg). Perfected in unconditioned meditation (nir-guṇa-dhyāna-saṃpannaḥ | nom sg), he should then (tataḥ) practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) samādhi (samādhim | acc sg).
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DYS 125–130: Liberation in Life
DYS 125–130: Liberation in Life

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 125–130: Freedom While Living and Conscious Use of the Body

Samādhi is defined as the identity of the individual and highest selves. The liberated yogi may leave or retain the body and move at will through different...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 125
dina-dvādaśakenaiva; samādhiṃ samavāpnuyāt | vāyuṃ nirudhya medhāvī; jīvan-mukto bhaved dhruvam ||125||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
In just (eva) twelve days (dina-dvādaśakena | ins sg), he should completely attain (samavāpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) samādhi (samādhim | acc sg). Having restrained (nirudhya | abs) the breath (vāyum | acc sg), the wise practitioner (medhāvī | nom sg) should certainly (dhruvam) become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) liberated while alive (jīvanmuktaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 126
samādhiḥ samatāvasthā; jīvātma-paramātmanoḥ | yadi sva-deham utsraṣṭum; icchā ced utsṛjet svayam ||126||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Samādhi (samādhiḥ | nom sg) is the state (avasthā | nom sg) of identity (samatā | nom sg) of the individual and highest selves (jīvātma-paramātmanoḥ | gen du). If (yadi) the wish (icchā | nom sg) arises to cast off (utsraṣṭum | inf) his own body (sva-deham | acc sg), and if (ced) he himself (svayam) wishes to cast it off (utsṛjet | 3p sg act opt), he may do so.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 127
para-brahmani līyeta; tyaktvā karma śubhāśubham | atha no cet samutsraṣṭuṃ; sva-śarīraṃ yadi priyam ||127||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having abandoned (tyaktvā | abs) action (karma | acc sg), both good and bad (śubhāśubham | acc sg), he should dissolve (līyeta | 3p sg med opt) into the supreme Brahman (parabrahmani | loc sg). But if (atha no cet) he does not wish to cast off (samutsraṣṭum | inf) his own body (sva-śarīram | acc sg), if (yadi) it is dear (priyam | acc sg), he may retain it.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 128
sarva-lokeṣu vicared; aṇimādi-guṇānvitaḥ | kadā cit svecchayā devo; bhūtvā svarge 'pi saṃcaret ||128||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Endowed with powers beginning with becoming infinitesimal (aṇimādi-guṇānvitaḥ | nom sg), he should wander (vicaret | 3p sg act opt) through all worlds (sarva-lokeṣu | loc pl). At some time (kadā cit), according to his own wish (svecchayā | ins sg), he may become (bhūtvā | abs) a god (devaḥ | nom sg) and roam (saṃcaret | 3p sg act opt) even (api) in heaven (svarge | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 129
manuṣyo vāpi yakṣo vā; svecchayā hi kṣaṇād bhavet | siṃho vyāghro gajo vāsyād; icchayā jantutāṃ vrajet ||129||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
According to his own wish (svecchayā | ins sg), in an instant (kṣaṇāt | abl sg) he may become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) a human (manuṣyaḥ | nom sg) or (vāpi) a Yakṣa (yakṣaḥ | nom sg). He may be (syāt | 3p sg act opt) a lion (siṃhaḥ), tiger (vyāghraḥ), or elephant (gajaḥ), or (vā) by choice (icchayā | ins sg) enter (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) the condition of an animal (jantutām | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 130
yatheṣṭam evaṃ varteta; yogī vidvān maheśvaraḥ | kavi-mārgo'yam uktas te; sāṃkṛte 'ṣṭāṅga-yogataḥ ||130||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Thus (evam) the wise (vidvān | nom sg) yogi (yogī | nom sg) may live (varteta | 3p sg act opt) as he wishes (yatheṣṭam), a great lord (maheśvaraḥ | nom sg). O Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg), this (ayam | nom sg) ancient seers’ path (kavi-mārgaḥ | nom sg) has been taught (uktaḥ | nom sg) to you (te | dat sg) as eight-limbed yoga (aṣṭāṅga-yogataḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 131: Kapila’s Haṭha Yoga
DYS 131: Kapila’s Haṭha Yoga

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 131: The Teaching of the Siddhas

After the eight-limbed path, Dattātreya announces the teaching of Kapila and other Siddhas: their methods of practice differ, but their result is said to be...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 131
siddhānāṃ kapilādīnāṃ; mataṃ vakṣye tataḥ param | abhyāsa-bhedato bhedaḥ; phalaṃ tu samam eva hi ||131||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Next (tataḥ param) I shall explain (vakṣye | 1p sg act fut) the doctrine (matam | acc sg) of the adepts (siddhānām | gen pl), of Kapila and the others (kapilādīnām | gen pl). The difference (bhedaḥ | nom sg) comes from differences in practice (abhyāsa-bhedataḥ), but (tu) the result (phalam | nom sg n) is indeed (hi) just (eva) the same (samam | nom sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 132–134: Mahāmudrā
DYS 132–134: Mahāmudrā

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 132–134: Heel Pressure, Extension, and Breath Restraint

The left heel is placed at the perineum, the right leg extended and held with both hands. With the chin on the chest, the breath is filled and held before the...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 132
mahā-mudrāṃ pravakṣyāmi; bhairaveṇoktam ādarāt | pārṣṇiṃ vāmasya pādasya; yoni-sthāne niyojayet ||132||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Out of respect (ādarāt | abl sg), I shall proclaim (pravakṣyāmi | 1p sg fut) the great seal (mahā-mudrām | acc sg), taught (uktam | acc sg) by Bhairava (bhairaveṇa | ins sg). He should place (niyojayet | 3p sg act opt) the heel (pārṣṇim | acc sg) of the left (vāmasya | gen sg) foot (pādasya | gen sg) at the perineum (yoni-sthāne | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 133
prasārya dakṣiṇaṃ pādaṃ; hastābhyāṃ dhārayed dṛḍham | cibukaṃ hṛdi vinyasya; pūrayed vāyunā punaḥ ||133||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having extended (prasārya | abs) the right (dakṣiṇam | acc sg) foot (pādam | acc sg), he should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt) it firmly (dṛḍham) with both hands (hastābhyām | ins du). Having placed (vinyasya | abs) the chin (cibukam | acc sg) on the chest (hṛdi | loc sg), he should again (punaḥ) fill himself (pūrayet | 3p sg act opt) with air (vāyunā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 134
kumbhakena yathā-śaktyā; dhārayitvā tu recayet | vāmāṅgena samabhyasya; dakṣiṇāṅgena cābhyaset ||134||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having held [the breath] (dhārayitvā | abs) with a retention (kumbhakena | ins sg) for as long as possible (yathā-śaktyā | ins sg), he should then (tu) exhale (recayet | 3p sg act opt). Having practised (samabhyasya | abs) on the left side (vāmāṅgena | ins sg), he should also (ca) practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) on the right side (dakṣiṇāṅgena | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 135: Mahābandha
DYS 135: Mahābandha

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 135: Bringing the Extended Foot onto the Thigh

For Mahābandha, the extended foot is brought onto the thigh; the terse verse instructs the practitioner to cultivate this great lock in the same way as...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 135
prasāritas tu yaḥ pādas; tam ūrūpari cānayet | ayam eva mahā-bandho; mudrāvac cāmum abhyaset ||135||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The foot (pādaḥ | nom sg) that (yaḥ | nom sg) is extended (prasāritaḥ | nom sg) should then (tu) be brought up (cānayet | 3p sg act opt) onto (upari) the thigh (ūrū | loc sg). This (ayam | nom sg) alone (eva) is the great lock (mahā-bandhaḥ | nom sg), and (ca) it (amum | acc sg) should be practised (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) like the seal (mudrāvat | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 136: Mahāvedha
DYS 136: Mahāvedha

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 136: Tapping the Buttocks on the Ground

While in Mahābandha, the practitioner gently taps both buttocks against the ground. The text calls this brief procedure Mahāvedha, a practice of accomplished...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 136
mahā-bandha-sthito bhūmau; sphicau saṃtāḍayec chanaiḥ | ayam eva mahā-vedhaḥ; siddhair abhyasyate naraiḥ ||136||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
While positioned in the great lock (mahā-bandha-sthitaḥ | nom sg), he should gently (śanaiḥ) tap (saṃtāḍayet | 3p sg act opt) both buttocks (sphicau | acc du) on the ground (bhūmau | loc sg). This itself (ayam eva | nom sg) is the great piercing (mahā-vedhaḥ | nom sg), practised (abhyasyate | 3p sg pas pres) by accomplished (siddhaiḥ | ins pl) men (naraiḥ | ins pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 137: Khecarī
DYS 137: Khecarī

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 137: Turning Tongue and Gaze Inward

For Khecarī, the tongue is turned back and inserted into the cavity of the skull while the gaze rests at the midpoint between the eyebrows.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 137
antaḥ-kapāla-vivare; jihvāṃ vyāvṛtya cārpayet | bhrū-madhya-dṛṣṭir apy eṣā; mudrā bhavati khecarī ||137||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Within the cavity of the skull (antaḥ-kapāla-vivare | loc sg), having turned back (vyāvṛtya | abs) the tongue (jihvām | acc sg), he should insert it (cārpayet | 3p sg act opt). This (eṣā | nom sg f) gaze at the midpoint of the eyebrows (bhrū-madhya-dṛṣṭiḥ | nom sg) is (bhavati | 3p sg act pres) the seal (mudrā | nom sg) Khecarī (khecarī | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 138–140: Jālandharabandha
DYS 138–140: Jālandharabandha

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 138–140: The Throat Lock that Preserves Nectar

The throat is contracted and the chin set on the chest so that nectar descending from the head does not burn in the digestive fire.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 138
kaṇṭham ākuñcya hṛdaye; sthāpayec cibukaṃ dṛḍham | jālandharo bandha eṣa; amṛtāvyaya-kārakaḥ ||138||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having constricted (ākuñcya | abs) the throat (kaṇṭham | acc sg), he should firmly (dṛḍham) place (sthāpayet | 3p sg act opt) the chin (cibukam | acc sg) on the chest (hṛdaye | loc sg). This (eṣaḥ | nom sg) is Jālandhara (jālandharaḥ | nom sg), the lock (bandhaḥ | nom sg) that prevents loss of the nectar of immortality (amṛtāvyaya-kārakaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 139
nābhi-sthāgniḥ kapāla-stha;-sahasra-kamala-cyutam | amṛtaṃ sarvadā sarvaṃ; piban jvalati dehinām ||139||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The fire at the navel (nābhi-sthāgniḥ | nom sg) of embodied beings (dehinām | gen pl) burns (jvalati | 3p sg act pres) while constantly (sarvadā) drinking (piban | nom sg m pca) all the nectar (amṛtam | acc sg n) that has dripped from the thousand-petalled lotus in the skull (kapāla-stha-sahasra-kamala-cyutam | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 140
yathā so 'gnis tad amṛtaṃ; na pibet tat pibet svayam | yāti paścima-mārgeṇa; evam abhyāsataḥ sadā ||140||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
So that (yathā) that (saḥ | nom sg) fire (agniḥ | nom sg) does not (na) drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) that (tat | acc sg n) nectar (amṛtam | acc sg n), the yogi himself (svayam) should drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) it (tat | acc sg n). Through constant practice (abhyāsataḥ), it always (sadā) travels in this way (evam) by the rear pathway (paścima-mārgeṇa | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 141–142: Uḍḍiyāṇa
DYS 141–142: Uḍḍiyāṇa

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 141–142: Drawing the Navel Upward and Back

Jālandhara is said to make the body immortal. Uḍḍiyāṇa is natural or easy, is taught by the guru, and carefully draws the navel upward and backward.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 141
amṛtī-kurute dehaṃ; jālandharam ato 'bhyaset | uḍḍiyāṇaṃ tu sahajaṃ; guruṇā kathitaṃ sadā ||141||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
It makes the body (deham | acc sg) immortal (amṛtī-kurute | 3p sg med pres); therefore (ataḥ) he should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) Jālandhara (jālandharam | acc sg). Uḍḍiyāṇa (uḍḍiyāṇam | acc sg), however (tu), is always (sadā) taught (kathitam | acc sg n) as natural (sahajam | acc sg n) by the teacher (guruṇā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 142
abhyased asta-tandras tu; vṛddho 'pi taruṇo bhavet | nābher ūrdhvam ataḥ paścāt; tānaṃ kuryāt prayatnataḥ ||142||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
One who practises (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) untiringly (astatandraḥ | nom sg) becomes (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) young (taruṇaḥ | nom sg) even (api) when old (vṛddhaḥ | nom sg). From the navel (nābheḥ | gen sg), he should carefully (prayatnataḥ) perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) the pull (tānam | acc sg) upward (ūrdhvam) and from there backward (ataḥ paścāt).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 143–145: Mūlabandha
DYS 143–145: Mūlabandha

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 143–145: Raising Apāna through the Root Lock

Heel pressure and contraction of the pelvic floor carry Apāna upward and unite Prāṇa, Apāna, Nāda, and Bindu as the ground of yogic perfection.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 143
ṣaṇ-māsam abhyasen mṛtyuṃ; jayaty eva na saṃśayaḥ | mūla-bandhaṃ tu yo nityam; abhyaset sa ca yoga-vit ||143||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
If he practises (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) for six months (ṣaṇ-māsam | acc sg), he certainly (eva) conquers (jayati | 3p sg act pres) death (mṛtyum | acc sg); there is no (na) doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg). One who (yaḥ | nom sg) always (nityam) practises (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) the root lock (mūla-bandham | acc sg) is (saḥ | nom sg) a knower of yoga (yoga-vit | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 144
gudaṃ pārṣṇyā tu saṃpīḍya; yonim ākuñcayed balāt | vāraṃ vāraṃ yathā cordhvaṃ; samāyāti samīraṇaḥ ||144||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having pressed (saṃpīḍya | abs) the anus (gudam | acc sg) with the heel (pārṣṇyā | ins sg), he should forcefully (balāt | abl sg) contract (ākuñcayet | 3p sg act opt) the perineum (yonim | acc sg), so that (yathā) the breath (samīraṇaḥ | nom sg) repeatedly (vāraṃ vāram | acc sg) moves upward (ūrdhvam samāyāti | 3p sg act pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 145
prāṇāpānau nāda-bindū; mūla-bandhena caikatām | gatvā yogasya saṃsiddhiṃ; yacchato nātra saṃśayaḥ ||145||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through the root lock (mūla-bandhena | ins sg), Prāṇa and Apāna (prāṇāpānau | nom du), together with (ca) inner sound and bindu (nāda-bindū | nom du), reach unity (ekatām | acc sg). Having become one (gatvā | abs), they bestow (yacchataḥ | 3p du pres) complete success (saṃsiddhim | acc sg) in yoga (yogasya | gen sg); there is no (na) doubt (saṃśayaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 146–149: Viparītakaraṇa
DYS 146–149: Viparītakaraṇa

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 146–149: Reversing Sun and Moon

The inversion strengthens digestive fire and is lengthened daily; sufficient food protects the body while grey hair and wrinkles are said to disappear.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 146
karaṇaṃ viparītākhyaṃ; sarva-vyādhi-vināśanam | nityam abhyāsa-yuktasya; jaṭharāgnir vivardhate ||146||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The technique (karaṇam | nom sg n) called the Inverter (viparītākhyam | nom sg n) destroys all diseases (sarva-vyādhi-vināśanam | nom sg n). The digestive fire (jaṭhara-agniḥ | nom sg) of one constantly (nityam) engaged in its practice (abhyāsa-yuktasya | gen sg) increases (vivardhate | 3p sg med pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 147
āhāro bahulas tasya; saṃpādyaḥ sāṃkṛte dhruvam | alpāhāro yadi bhaved; agnir dehaṃ dahet kṣaṇāt ||147||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
O Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg), abundant (bahulaḥ | nom sg) food (āhāraḥ | nom sg) must certainly (dhruvam) be provided (saṃpādyaḥ | nom sg) for him (tasya | gen sg). If (yadi) food is scant (alpa-āhāraḥ | nom sg), the fire (agniḥ | nom sg) may burn (dahet | 3p sg act opt) the body (deham | acc sg) in an instant (kṣaṇāt | abl sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 148
ūrdhvaṃ bhānur adhaś candras; tad yathā śṛṇu sāṃkṛte | adhaḥ-śirāś cordhva-pādaḥ; kṣaṇaṃ syāt prathame dine ||148||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Listen (śṛṇu | 2p sg act imp), O Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg), to how (yathā) this (tat | acc sg) is understood: the sun (bhānuḥ | nom sg) is above (ūrdhvam), the moon (candraḥ | nom sg) below (adhaḥ). On the first day (prathame dine | loc sg), he should remain (syāt | 3p sg act opt) briefly (kṣaṇam | acc sg) with head down (adhaḥ-śiraḥ | nom sg n) and (ca) feet up (ūrdhva-pādaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 149
kṣaṇāc ca kiṃ cid adhikam; abhyasec ca dine dine | valitaṃ palitaṃ caiva; ṣaṇ-māsordhvaṃ na dṛśyate ||149||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Beginning with a moment (kṣaṇāt | abl sg), he should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) a little (kiṃ cit) longer (adhikam) day by day (dine dine | loc sg). After six months (ṣaṇ-māsordhvam), wrinkling (valitam | nom sg n) and grey hair (palitam | nom sg n) are no longer (na) seen (dṛśyate | 3p sg pas pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 150–153*3: Vajrolī: Secret Teaching
DYS 150–153*3: Vajrolī: Secret Teaching

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 150–153*3: Requirements and the Alternative DYŚ Transmission

Vajrolī is introduced as a closely guarded practice; three star verses from Avasthī’s DYŚ preserve its much shorter account beside Mallinson’s main text.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 150
yāma-mātraṃ hi yo nityam; abhyaset sa tu kāla-jit | atha vajrolī-lakṣaṇam | vajrolīṃ kathayiṣyāmi; gopitāṃ sarva-yogibhiḥ ||150||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker and title lines: prose
One who (yaḥ | nom sg) regularly (nityam) practises (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) for three hours (yāmamātram | acc sg) is indeed (tu) a conqueror of Time (kāla-jit | nom sg). Now (atha) come the characteristics of Vajrolī (vajrolī-lakṣaṇam | nom sg n). I shall teach (kathayiṣyāmi | 1p sg act fut) Vajrolī (vajrolīm | acc sg), kept hidden (gopitām | acc sg f) by all yogis (sarva-yogibhiḥ | ins pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 151
atīvaitad rahasyaṃ hi; na deyaṃ yasya kasya cit | sva-prāṇais tu samo yaḥ syāt; tasyaiva kathayed dhruvam ||151||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
This (etat | nom sg) secret teaching (rahasyam | nom sg n) is exceedingly (atīva) [guarded] and must not (na) be given (deyam | nom sg n) to just anyone (yasya kasya cit | gen sg). It should certainly (dhruvam) be taught (kathayet | 3p sg act opt) only to that person (tasyaiva | gen sg) who (yaḥ | nom sg) is (syāt | 3p sg act opt) equal (samaḥ | nom sg) to one’s own life (sva-prāṇaiḥ | ins pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 152
svecchayā vartamāno 'pi; yogokta-niyamair vinā | vajrolīṃ yo vijānāti; sa yogī siddhimān bhavet ||152||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Even (api) if he behaves (vartamānaḥ | nom sg) according to his own will (svecchayā | ins sg), without (vinā) the rules taught in yoga (yogokta-niyamaiḥ | ins pl), the one (saḥ | nom sg) who (yaḥ | nom sg) knows (vijānāti | 3p sg act pres) Vajrolī (vajrolīm | acc sg) should become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) a yogi (yogī | nom sg) possessed of accomplishment (siddhimān | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 153
tatra vastu-dvayaṃ vakṣye; dur-labhaṃ yena kena cit | labhyate yadi tasyaiva; yoga-siddhiḥ kare sthitā ||153||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
For it (tatra), I shall explain (vakṣye | 1p sg act fut) two substances (vastu-dvayam | acc sg n) that are difficult to obtain (dur-labham | acc sg n) for anyone (yena kena cit | ins sg). If (yadi) the pair is obtained (labhyate | 3p sg pas pres), success in yoga (yoga-siddhiḥ | nom sg f) is situated (sthitā | nom sg f) in that very person’s (tasyaiva | gen sg) hand (kare | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 153*1
kṣīram āṅgi-rasaṃ ceti; dvayor ādyaṃ tu labhyate | dvitīyaṃ dur-labhaṃ puṃsāṃ; strībhyaḥ sādhyam upāyataḥ ||153*1||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
“Semen (kṣīram | acc sg n) and (ca) Āṅgīrasa (āṅgi-rasam | acc sg),” [are the two]. Of the pair (dvayoḥ | gen du), the first (ādyam | nom sg n) is obtainable (labhyate | 3p sg pas pres), but (tu) the second (dvitīyam | acc sg n) is difficult to obtain (dur-labham | acc sg n) for men (puṃsām | gen pl) and must be procured (sādhyam | acc sg n) from women (strībhyaḥ | abl pl) by a suitable means (upāyataḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 153*2
yogābhyāsa-ratā strī ca; puṃsā yatnena sādhayet | pumān strī vā yad anyonyaṃ; strī-puṃs-tvānapekṣayā ||153*2||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; pāda 4: 7 rather than 8 syllables
A woman (strī | nom sg) devoted to yoga practice (yogābhyāsa-ratā | nom sg) should also (ca) be obtained (sādhayet | 3p sg act opt caus) with care (yatnena | ins sg) by a man (puṃsā | ins sg). Whether a man (pumān | nom sg) or (vā) a woman (strī | nom sg), whichever [two] (yat | nom sg n) are with one another (anyonyam | acc sg), [the practice is] irrespective of female or male status (strī-puṃs-tvān-apekṣayā | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 153*3
sva-prayojana-mātraika;-sādhanāt siddhim āpnuyāt | calito yadi bindus tam; ūrdhvam ākṛṣya rakṣayet ||153*3||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through practice directed solely to one’s own purpose (sva-prayojana-mātraika-sādhanāt | abl sg), one may attain (āpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) success (siddhim | acc sg). If (yadi) bindu (binduḥ | nom sg) has moved (calitaḥ | nom sg), having drawn (ākṛṣya | abs) it (tam | acc sg) upward (ūrdhvam), one should preserve it (rakṣayet | 3p sg act opt).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 154–167: Vajrolī for the Male Yogi
DYS 154–167: Vajrolī for the Male Yogi

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 154–167: Sexual Ritual, Bindu, and the Preservation of Life

The expanded critical text describes prerequisites and a ritualised sexual practice whose aim is to retain or draw back bindu.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 154
kṣīraṃ caikaṃ dvitīyaṃ tu; nārī ca vaśa-vartinī | na saṃbhaved yadi kṣīraṃ; tat-tulyaṃ kathayāmi te ||154||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The one (ekam | nom sg n) is semen (kṣīram | nom sg), while (tu) the second (dvitīyam | nom sg n) is a woman (nārī | nom sg) who remains under control (vaśa-vartinī | nom sg f). If (yadi) semen (kṣīram | nom sg) should not (na) be obtainable (saṃbhavet | 3p sg act opt), I shall explain (kathayāmi | 1p sg act pres) to you (te | dat sg) something comparable to it (tat-tulyam | nom sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 155
pibed āṅgīrasaṃ kiṃ cid; yadi kṣīraṃ na labhyate | sāṃkṛtir uvāca | āṅgīrasākhyaṃ kiṃ vastu; bhagavan kathayasva me ||155||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker and title lines: prose
[The yogi] should drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) a little (kiṃ cit) Āṅgīrasa (āṅgīrasam | acc sg) if (yadi) semen (kṣīram | nom sg) is not (na) available (labhyate | 3p sg pas pres). Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛtiḥ | nom sg) said (uvāca | 3p sg act perf): “What (kim | nom sg n), O Lord (bhagavan | voc sg), is the substance (vastu | nom sg) called Āṅgīrasa (āṅgīrasākhyam | nom sg n)? Tell (kathayasva | 2p sg med imp) me (me | dat sg).”
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 156
dattātreyaḥ | strīṇām āṅgīrasaṃ yonau; iḍāpānāt tu jāyate | tat pibet puruṣo 'bhyāsī; yadi kṣīraṃ na labhyate ||156||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh; speaker and title lines: prose
Dattātreya (dattātreyaḥ | nom sg) [said]: “Women’s generative fluid (strīṇām āṅgīrasam | nom sg) arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) in the vagina (yonau | loc sg) through Apāna in the Iḍā (iḍā-apānāt | abl sg). The man (puruṣaḥ | nom sg) who practises [Vajrolī] (abhyāsī | nom sg m) should drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) it (tat | acc sg n) if (yadi) semen (kṣīram | nom sg) is not (na) available (labhyate | 3p sg pas pres).”
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 157
tathāpi tat-kṣīra-guṇaṃ; kiṃ cin mātram api dhruvam | nārī-dhātuṃ punaḥ kośe; pibed ādarato bhṛśam ||157||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Even so (tathā api), at least a small measure (kiṃ cin mātram | acc sg n) of the quality of semen (tat-kṣīra-guṇam | acc sg) is certainly (dhruvam) present. The yogi, however (punar), should drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) the woman’s essence (nārī-dhātum | acc sg) in the receptacle, the vagina (kośe | loc sg), respectfully (ādaratas) and without hesitation (bhṛśam).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 158
kṣīrābhāve tad rasaṃ tu; kṣīra-tulyaṃ bhaved dhruvam | abhyāsaṃ śṛṇu vajrolyā; vakṣyāmy ati-rahasyakam ||158||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
When semen is absent (kṣīra-abhāve | loc sg), that liquid (tad rasam | nom sg) would (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) certainly (dhruvam) be comparable to semen (kṣīra-tulyam | nom sg n). Listen (śṛṇu | 2p sg act imp) to the practice (abhyāsam | acc sg) of Vajrolī (vajrolyāḥ | gen sg); I shall teach (vakṣyāmi | 1p sg act fut) this most secret [method] (ati-rahasyakam | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 159
sukhāni labhate nārī; siddhiṃ ca puruṣo yathā | nārīṃ ramyām adhaḥsthāpya; rahasye tu dig-aṃbarām ||159||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
A woman (nārī | nom sg) obtains (labhate | 3p sg med pres) pleasures (sukhāni | acc pl), just as (yathā) a man (puruṣaḥ | nom sg) [obtains] success in yoga (siddhim | acc sg). In a secluded place (rahasye | loc sg), [the yogi] should now (tu) position below [him] (adhaḥ sthāpya | abs) an attractive (ramyām | acc sg f), naked woman (digambarāṃ nārīm | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 160
svayaṃ dig-ambaro bhūtvā; uttānāyās tathopari | śayānaḥ kuṃbhakaṃ kuryāt; kiṃcin namraḥ svayaṃ bahiḥ ||160||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having become naked himself (svayaṃ digambaro bhūtvā | abs) and lying (śayānaḥ | nom sg m pca) in this way (tathā) on top (upari) of her as she lies on her back (uttānāyāḥ | gen sg f), he should perform (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) breath retention (kumbhakam | acc sg) and remain outside [her] (bahiḥ), himself (svayam) slightly hunched (kiṃcin namraḥ | nom sg m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 161
anyonyaṃ dṛḍham āliṃgya; yonau śiśnaṃ na cārpayet | mithaś cādhara-pānaṃ ca; kuryād gala-ravādikam ||161||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having tightly (dṛḍham) embraced (āliṅgya | abs) one another (anyonyam | acc sg m), he should not (na) insert (arpayet | 3p sg act opt) his penis (śiśnam | acc sg) into her vagina (yonau | loc sg). They should mutually (mithas) kiss each other’s lips (adhara-pānam | acc sg) and (ca) make (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) throaty moans and the like (gala-ravādikam | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 162
viluṭhec ca sukhenaiva; yāvat prasveda-saṃbhavaḥ | yadi skhaled bahir vīryaṃ; tataḥ svedena mardayet ||162||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
And (ca) he should roll around (viluṭhet | 3p sg act opt) with pleasure (sukhenaiva | ins sg) until (yāvat) sweat is produced (prasveda-saṃbhavaḥ | nom sg). If (yadi) semen (vīryam | nom sg) should be emitted (skhalet | 3p sg act opt) outside (bahiḥ), he should then (tataḥ) rub (mardayet | 3p sg act opt) it [into his body] with sweat (svedena | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 163
jīrṇa-vastreṇa saṃmārjya; tad vastraṃ rakṣayed budhaḥ | yadi bindur na skhalati; niṣṭhuraṃ tu yabhed bahiḥ ||163||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The wise practitioner (budhaḥ | nom sg) should wipe up (saṃmārjya | abs) that [mixture] (tat | acc sg n) with an old cloth (jīrṇa-vastreṇa | ins sg) and preserve (rakṣayet | 3p sg act opt) the cloth (vastram | acc sg). If (yadi) the semen (binduḥ | nom sg) is not (na) emitted (skhalati | 3p sg act pres), he should instead (tu) copulate (yabhet | 3p sg act opt) roughly (niṣṭhuram) outside [the vagina] (bahiḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 164
yonau śiśnaṃ tu nārpyeta; yāvad bindur bahiḥ patet | evaṃ tu tri-dinaṃ kuryād; ekaikaṃ vāram eva ca ||164||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The penis (śiśnam | acc sg) should not (na) be inserted (arpyeta | 3p sg pas opt) into the vagina (yonau | loc sg) as long as (yāvat) semen (binduḥ | nom sg) is emitted outside (bahiḥ patet | 3p sg act opt). He should practise (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) in this way (evam) for three days (tri-dinam | acc sg), only (eva) once (vāram | acc sg) on each [day] (ekaikam | acc sg n).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 165
tatas tu śara-nālena; phūt-kāraṃ vajra-kandare | śanaiḥ śanaiḥ prakurvīta; vāyu-saṃcāra-kāraṇāt ||165||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tatas), using a reed tube (śara-nālena | ins sg), he should very gently (śanaiḥ śanaiḥ) perform (prakurvīta | 3p sg med opt) a blowing action (phūt-kāram | acc sg) at the cavity of the glans (vajra-kandare | loc sg) in order to make the air move (vāyu-saṃcāra-kāraṇāt | abl sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 166
tad-bhage patitaṃ bindum; abhyāsenordhvam āharet | calitaṃ ca tathā bindum; ūrdhvam ākṛṣya rakṣayet ||166||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through practice (abhyāsena | ins sg), he should draw upward (ūrdhvam āharet | 3p sg act opt) the semen (bindum | acc sg) that has fallen into her vagina (tad-bhage patitam | acc sg m ppp). And (ca), once that semen (bindum | acc sg) has moved (calitam | acc sg m ppp), he should likewise (tathā) draw it upward (ūrdhvam ākṛṣya | abs) and retain it (rakṣayet | 3p sg act opt).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 167
evaṃ ca rakṣito bindur; mṛtyuṃ jayati tattvataḥ | maraṇaṃ bindu-pātena; jīvanaṃ bindu-dhāraṇāt ||167||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Semen preserved in this way (evaṃ ca rakṣito binduḥ | nom sg) truly (tattvataḥ) conquers (jayati | 3p sg act pres) death (mṛtyum | acc sg). Death (maraṇam | nom sg) [arises] from the fall of semen (bindu-pātena | ins sg), life (jīvanam | nom sg) from its retention (bindu-dhāraṇāt | abl sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 168–179*1: Vajrolī for the Yoginī
DYS 168–179*1: Vajrolī for the Yoginī

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 168–179*1: Preserving Rajas and Attaining Female Perfection

The yoginī is to retain rajas and practise with a knowledgeable partner; the DYŚ star verse preserves Avasthī’s brief transition to Amarolī and Sahajolī.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 168
sindūra-sadṛśaṃ yonau; strīṇām asti navaṃ rajaḥ | tatrāvrato 'py ayaṃ gacchet; tadābhyāsena rakṣayet ||168||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Fresh Rajas (navaṃ rajaḥ | nom sg), resembling red lead (sindūra-sadṛśam | nom sg n), is found (asti | 3p sg act pres) in women’s vaginas (strīṇāṃ yonau | loc sg). Even (api) one who has taken no vows (avrataḥ | nom sg m) may reach it (gacchet | 3p sg act opt); then (tadā) he should retain it (rakṣayet | 3p sg act opt) through practice (abhyāsena | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 169
vajrolīm abhyasen nārī; rajo-rakṣārtham eva ca | yadi nārī rajo rakṣed; vajrolyā sā hi yoginī ||169||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
A woman (nārī | nom sg) too (ca) should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) Vajrolī (vajrolīm | acc sg), solely (eva) for the retention of Rajas (rajo-rakṣārtham | acc sg). If (yadi) a woman (nārī | nom sg) retains (rakṣet | 3p sg act opt) Rajas (rajaḥ | acc sg) by means of Vajrolī (vajrolyā | ins sg), she (sā | nom sg f) is truly (hi) a Yoginī (yoginī | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 170
atītānāgataṃ vetti; khecarī vā bhaved dhruvam | deha-siddhiṃ ca labhate; vajroly-abhyāsa-yogataḥ ||170||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
She knows (vetti | 3p sg act pres) the past and the future (atītānāgatam | acc sg n) and (vā) is certain (dhruvam) to become (bhavet | 3p sg act opt) a Sky-Roving Yoginī (khecarī | nom sg f). As a result of practising Vajrolī (vajroly-abhyāsa-yogataḥ), she also (ca) obtains (labhate | 3p sg med pres) perfection of the body (deha-siddhim | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 171
abhyāsasya kramaṃ vakṣye; nārīṇāṃ ca śanaiḥ śanaiḥ | yabhayen niṣṭhuraṃ puṃsāṃ; bahiḥ śiśnena yat phalam ||171||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
I shall teach (vakṣye | 1p sg act fut) the sequence (kramam | acc sg) of the practice (abhyāsasya | gen sg) for women (nārīṇām | gen pl) too (ca), gradually, step by step (śanaiḥ śanaiḥ). [A woman] should copulate (yabhayet | 3p sg act opt caus) forcefully (niṣṭhuram), with a man’s penis (puṃsāṃ śiśnena | ins sg) outside [her vagina] (bahiḥ), until (yat) there is a result, ejaculation (phalam | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 172
rajaḥ-pūrita-vīryaṃ taṃ; śiśna-vīryaṃ samāharet | liṅgaṃ karābhyām ākuñcya; maṇi-mātraṃ praveśayet ||172||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
She should draw up (samāharet | 3p sg act opt) her semen filled with Rajas (rajaḥ-pūrita-vīryam | acc sg) and that semen from the penis (taṃ śiśna-vīryam | acc sg). Having pulled (ākuñcya | abs) the penis (liṅgam | acc sg) with both hands (karābhyām | ins du), she should insert (praveśayet | 3p sg act opt caus) only (mātram | acc sg n) the glans (maṇim | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 173
yāvan maṇi-praveśaḥ syāt; tāvad abhyāsam ācaret | tataḥ paraṃ samarthā ced; ūrdhvam ākuñcayed rajaḥ ||173||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
For as long as (yāvat) the glans is inserted (maṇi-praveśaḥ | nom sg), she should continue (ācaret | 3p sg act opt) the practice (abhyāsam | acc sg) for that long (tāvat). After that (tataḥ param), if (cet) she is capable (samarthā | nom sg f), she should draw (ākuñcayet | 3p sg act opt caus) Rajas (rajaḥ | acc sg) upward (ūrdhvam).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 174
tasyās tadā rajo nāśaṃ; na gacchati na saṃśayaḥ | tasyāḥ śarīre nādas tu; bindutām eva gacchati ||174||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Then (tadā) her (tasyāḥ | gen sg f) Rajas (rajaḥ | nom sg) is not (na) lost (nāśaṃ gacchati | 3p sg act pres), without doubt (na saṃśayaḥ | nom sg). The Nāda (nādaḥ | nom sg) in her body (tasyāḥ śarīre | loc sg) instead (tu) becomes (gacchati | 3p sg act pres) entirely (eva) Bindu (bindutām | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 175
sa bindus tad rajaś caiva; ekībhūya sva-deha-gau | vajrolyābhyāsa-yogena; sarva-siddhiḥ prajāyate ||175||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
When that semen (sa binduḥ | nom sg) and that Rajas (tad rajaḥ | nom sg), having become one (ekī-bhūya | abs), are situated together in their own body (sva-deha-gau | nom du m), all supernatural powers (sarva-siddhiḥ | nom sg) arise (prajāyate | 3p sg med pres) through applying the practice of Vajrolī (vajrolyābhyāsa-yogena | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 176
ayaṃ yogaḥ puṇyavatāṃ; dhanyānāṃ tattva-śalinām | nirmatsarāṇāṃ sidhyeta; na tu mātsarya-śālinām ||176||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
This yoga (ayaṃ yogaḥ | nom sg) succeeds (sidhyeta | 3p sg med opt) for the meritorious (puṇyavatām | gen pl m), the fortunate (dhanyānām | gen pl m), those established in truth (tattva-śālinām | gen pl m), and those free from malice (nirmatsarāṇām | gen pl m), but not (na tu) for those established in malice (mātsarya-śālinām | gen pl m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 177
lajjāṃ vihāya kartavyo; yogābhyāsas tu īdṛśaḥ | iṣṭaiś ca puruṣaiḥ sārdham; athavā yoga-vedibhiḥ ||177||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
[A woman], having abandoned (vihāya | abs) shame (lajjām | acc sg), should perform (kartavyaḥ | nom sg m) this kind of yoga practice (yogābhyāsas tu īdṛśaḥ | nom sg), together (sārdham) with men of her choosing (iṣṭaiḥ puruṣaiḥ | ins pl) or (athavā) with those who know yoga (yoga-vedibhiḥ | ins pl m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 178
yo vettīmaṃ yoga-śāstraṃ; sandhiṃ tena sahācaret | ajñāta-yoga-śāstreṇa; vajrolīṃ strī tu nābhyaset ||178||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
She should enter into union (sandhim ācaret | 3p sg act opt) with a [man] who knows this yoga treatise (yo vettīmaṃ yoga-śāstram | nom sg m). A woman (strī | nom sg), however (tu), should not (na) practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) Vajrolī (vajrolīm | acc sg) with a [man] who does not know the yoga treatise (ajñāta-yoga-śāstreṇa | ins sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 179
sarveṣām api yogānām; ayaṃ yogaḥ sukhaṃ-karaḥ | tasmād ayaṃ vakṣyamāṇo; bhogo yogaś ca mukti-daḥ ||179||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Of all yogas (sarveṣām api yogānām | gen pl), this is the yoga (ayaṃ yogaḥ | nom sg) that brings pleasure (sukhaṃ-karaḥ | nom sg m). Therefore (tasmāt), this [way] now being taught (ayaṃ vakṣyamāṇaḥ | nom sg m) is enjoyment (bhogaḥ | nom sg) and (ca) yoga (yogaḥ | nom sg) and bestows liberation (muktidaḥ | nom sg m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 179*1
bindu-rakṣā-prasādena; sarvaṃ sidhyati yoginaḥ | amarolis tad yathā syāt; sahajolis tato yathā ||179*1||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through the efficacy of preserving Bindu (bindu-rakṣā-prasādena | ins sg), everything (sarvam | nom sg n) succeeds (sidhyati | 3p sg act pres) for the yogin (yoginaḥ | gen sg). How (yathā) Amarolī (amaroliḥ | nom sg) might be (tat syāt | 3p sg act opt), and how (yathā) Sahajolī (sahajoliḥ | nom sg) [is] thereafter (tataḥ), [will now be explained].
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 180–183*1: Amarolī and Sahajolī
DYS 180–183*1: Amarolī and Sahajolī

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 180–183*1: Two Continuations of Vajrolī Practice

Amarolī involves drinking Amarī, while Sahajolī uses ash and a bodily practice; the DYŚ star passage traces the procedure to the tradition of the Siddhas.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 180
tasmāt puṇyavatām eva; ayaṃ yogaḥ prasidhyati | amarīṃ yaḥ piben nityaṃ; nasyaṃ kurvan dine dine ||180||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Therefore (tasmāt), this yoga (ayaṃ yogaḥ | nom sg) succeeds (prasidhyati | 3p sg act pres) only (eva) for the meritorious (puṇyavatām | gen pl m). Whoever (yaḥ | nom sg m) should regularly (nityam) drink (pibet | 3p sg act opt) Amarī, that is, urine (amarīm | acc sg), while performing (kurvan | nom sg m pca) a nasal application (nasyam | acc sg) day after day (dine dine | loc sg),
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 181
vajrolīm abhyasec caivam; amarolīti kathyate | pūrvokta-jīrṇa-vastraṃ tu; prakṣipec ca mite jale ||181||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
and (ca) practises (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) Vajrolī (vajrolīm | acc sg) in this way (evam), [his practice] is called Amarolī (amarolīti kathyate | 3p sg pas pres). He should now (tu) put (prakṣipet | 3p sg act opt) the previously mentioned old cloth (pūrvokta-jīrṇa-vastram | acc sg) in a little water (mite jale | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 182
taj-jale bhasma saṃkṣipya; dagdha-go-maya-saṃbhavam | vajrolī-maithunād ūrdhvaṃ; strī-puṃsor aṅga-lepanam ||182||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having thrown (saṃkṣipya | abs) into that water (taj-jale | loc sg) ash (bhasma | acc sg) made from burnt cow dung (dagdha-gomaya-saṃbhavam | acc sg n), [one performs] after Vajrolī intercourse (vajrolī-maithunāt | abl sg) the rubbing (aṅga-lepanam | nom sg) of the limbs of the woman and the man (strī-puṃsoḥ | gen du).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 183
āsīnayoḥ sukhenaiva; mukta-vyāparayoḥ kṣaṇam | sahajolī ca saṃproktā; śraddheyā yogibhiḥ sadā ||183||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
[The rubbing is performed] while both are sitting (āsīnayoḥ | gen du m), entirely at ease (sukhenaiva | ins sg), their activity having ended (mukta-vyāpārayoḥ | gen du) a moment before (kṣaṇam | acc sg). This is called (saṃproktā | nom sg f ppp) Sahajolī (sahajolī | nom sg), and (ca) yogis (yogibhiḥ | ins pl) should always (sadā) put their trust in it (śraddheyā | nom sg f pfp).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 183*1
tad-abhyāsa-kramaḥ śasyaḥ; siddhānāṃ sampradāyataḥ ||183*1||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
The procedure of that practice (tad-abhyāsa-kramaḥ | nom sg) should be taught (śasyaḥ | nom sg m) as it comes from the tradition (sampradāyataḥ) of the Siddhas (siddhānām | gen pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 184–187: Rāja Yoga and Perfection
DYS 184–187: Rāja Yoga and Perfection

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 184–187: From Sustained Practice to Niṣpatti

One reaches Rāja Yoga by practising the taught methods at the proper time, not through knowledge alone, and gains freedom of action; from this arises the...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 184
etaiḥ sarvais tu kathitair; abhyaset kāla-kālataḥ | tato bhaved rāja-yogo; nāntarā bhavati dhruvam ||184||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
[The yogi] should practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) with all these taught [methods] (etaiḥ sarvaiḥ kathitaiḥ | ins pl m), each at its proper time (kāla-kālataḥ). From that (tataḥ) Royal Yoga (rāja-yogaḥ | nom sg) would arise (bhavet | 3p sg act opt); it certainly (dhruvam) does not (na) arise (bhavati | 3p sg act pres) otherwise (antarā).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 185
na diṅ-mātreṇa siddhiḥ syād; abhyāsenaiva jāyate | rāja-yoga-padaṃ prāpya; sarva-sattva-vaśaṃ-karam ||185||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Success (siddhiḥ | nom sg) would not (na) arise (syāt | 3p sg act opt) through a mere hint (diṅ-mātreṇa | ins sg); it arises (jāyate | 3p sg med pres) only (eva) through practice (abhyāsena | ins sg). Having reached (prāpya | abs) the level of Royal Yoga (rāja-yoga-padam | acc sg), which brings all beings under his control (sarva-sattva-vaśaṃ-karam | acc sg n),
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 186
sarvaṃ kuryān na vā kuryād; yathā-ruci viceṣṭitam | yadā tu rāja-yogena; niṣpannā yoginaḥ kriyā ||186||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
he may do (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt) anything (sarvam | acc sg n) or (vā) not (na) do it (kuryāt | 3p sg act opt), behaving as he pleases (yathā-ruci viceṣṭitam | acc sg n). When (yadā) the yogi’s activity (yoginaḥ kriyā | nom sg) has been perfected (niṣpannā | nom sg f) through Royal Yoga (rāja-yogena | ins sg),
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 187
tadāvasthā hi niṣpattir; bhukti-mukti-pradā bhavet | sarvaṃ te kathitaṃ brahman; sāṃkṛte yogam ācara ||187||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
then (tadā) the perfection stage (avasthā hi niṣpattiḥ | nom sg) arises (bhavet | 3p sg act opt), bestowing enjoyment and liberation (bhukti-mukti-pradā | nom sg f). Everything (sarvam | nom sg n) has been explained (kathitam | nom sg n ppp) to you (te | dat sg), O Brahmin (brahman | voc sg). Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛte | voc sg), practise (ācara | 2p sg act imp) yoga (yogam | acc sg)!”
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 188: Conclusion of the Instruction
DYS 188: Conclusion of the Instruction

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 188: Sāṃkṛti Attains Yoga through Dattātreya’s Grace

After hearing Dattātreya’s words, Sāṃkṛti attains yoga and every accomplishment through the teacher’s grace.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 188
iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā; sāṃkṛtir yogam āptavān | sarva-siddhim avāpyāsau; dattātreya-prasādataḥ ||188||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Having heard (śrutvā | abs) these words of his (iti tasya vacaḥ | acc sg), Sāṃkṛti (sāṃkṛtiḥ | nom sg) attained (āptavān | nom sg m ppp) yoga (yogam | acc sg). Having obtained (avāpya | abs) all supernatural powers (sarva-siddhim | acc sg), he (asau | nom sg m) did so through the grace of Dattātreya (dattātreya-prasādataḥ).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 189–191: Transmission
DYS 189–191: Transmission

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 189–191: Study, Teach, and Practise Steadily

One who regularly studies the text and shares it with suitable people is promised gradual success; sustained yoga practice is therefore called the fruit of...

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 189
ya idaṃ paṭhate nityaṃ; sādhubhyaḥ śrāvayed api | tasya yogaḥ krameṇaiva; sidhyaty eva na saṃśayaḥ ||189||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Whoever (yaḥ | nom sg m) regularly (nityam) studies (paṭhate | 3p sg med pres) this [work] (idam | acc sg n) and also (api) teaches it (śrāvayet | 3p sg act opt caus) to good people (sādhubhyaḥ | dat pl), his (tasya | gen sg m) yoga (yogaḥ | nom sg) surely (eva) succeeds (sidhyati | 3p sg act pres) gradually (krameṇa | ins sg); [there is] no doubt (na saṃśayaḥ | nom sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 190
yogino 'bhyāsa-yuktā ye; hy araṇyeṣu guhāsu vā | bahu-kālaṃ ramante sma; jana-saṅga-vivarjitāḥ ||190||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Yogis (yoginaḥ | nom pl) who are engaged in practice (abhyāsa-yuktāḥ | nom pl m), whether in forests (araṇyeṣu | loc pl) or (vā) in caves (guhāsu | loc pl), have (sma) lived happily (ramante | 3p pl med pres) for a long time (bahu-kālam | acc sg), free from human company (jana-saṅga-vivarjitāḥ | nom pl m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Dattātreyayogaśāstra 191
tasmāt sarva-prayatnena; yogam eva sadābhyaset | yogābhyāso janma-phalaṃ; niṣphalā hi tathākriyāḥ ||191||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Therefore (tasmāt), one should always (sadā) practise (abhyaset | 3p sg act opt) yoga (yogam | acc sg), and yoga alone (eva), with every effort (sarva-prayatnena | ins sg). The practice of yoga (yogābhyāsaḥ | nom sg) is the fruit of birth (janma-phalam | nom sg); those who do not practise in this way (tathākriyāḥ | nom pl m) are indeed (hi) without that fruit (niṣphalāḥ | nom pl m).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 192: Mahāmāyā
DYS 192: Mahāmāyā

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 192: All Things Are Pervaded by the Great Goddess

The text asks that all beings receive happiness through Mahāmāyā’s grace and calls for worship of her as the ground that sustains the whole.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 192
mahā-māyā-prasādena; sarveṣām astu tat sukham | etat sarvaṃ tayā yuktaṃ; tām evārādhayet tataḥ ||192||
Metre: Anuṣṭubh
Through the grace of Mahāmāyā (mahā-māyā-prasādena | ins sg), may (astu | 3p sg act imp) all beings (sarveṣām | gen pl) have that bliss (tat sukham | nom sg). All this (etat sarvam | nom sg n) depends upon her (tayā yuktam | nom sg n ppp); therefore (tataḥ), one should worship (ārādhayet | 3p sg act opt caus) her (tām | acc sg f) alone (eva).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
DYS 193: Dattātreya as Viṣṇu
DYS 193: Dattātreya as Viṣṇu

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 193: Taking Refuge at the Teacher’s Lotus Feet

The final verse honours Dattātreya as Viṣṇu, lord of yoga teachings, remover of affliction, and giver of yogic success.

Dattātreyayogaśāstra 193
yaḥ saṃsmṛtyā munīnām, api durita-haro, yoga-siddhi-pradaś ca | kāruṇyād yaḥ pravaktā, sukha-hṛdaya-hṛto, yoga-śāstrasya nāthaḥ | tasyāhaṃ bhakti-śūnyo, 'py akhila-jana-guror, bhakti-cintā-maṇer hi | dattātreyasya viṣṇoḥ, pada-nalina-yugaṃ, nityam eva prapadye ||193||
Metre: Sragdharā
Although (api) I (aham | nom sg) am devoid of devotion (bhakti-śūnyaḥ | nom sg m) to him (tasya | gen sg m), I constantly (nityam) worship (prapadye | 1p sg med pres) the pair of lotus feet (pada-nalina-yugam | acc sg) of Viṣṇu (viṣṇoḥ | gen sg) as Dattātreya (dattātreyasya | gen sg): the guru of all people (akhila-jana-guroḥ | gen sg) and wish-fulfilling jewel of devotion (bhakti-cintāmaṇeḥ | gen sg), who (yaḥ | nom sg m), merely through remembrance (saṃsmṛtyā | ins sg), removes difficulties (durita-haraḥ | nom sg m) even (api) for sages (munīnām | gen pl) and (ca) bestows success in yoga (yoga-siddhi-pradaḥ | nom sg m); who (yaḥ | nom sg m), out of compassion (kāruṇyāt | abl sg), is the teacher (pravaktā | nom sg) and lord (nāthaḥ | nom sg) of the yoga scripture (yoga-śāstrasya | gen sg) that effortlessly steals the heart (sukha-hṛdaya-hṛtaḥ | nom sg m). The compound *bhakti-śūnyaḥ* simultaneously plays on the secondary sense “not separate from him.”
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal

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Dr. Ronald Steiner

Dr. Ronald Steiner

From Ulm

The "Yoga Doc" - Dr. Ronald Steiner is the founder of the AYI method. This method links traditional Ashtanga Yoga with innovative Yogatherapy and living Philosophy. This forms a practice that is personal for each and... more ›

Nils Jacob Liersch

Nils Jacob Liersch

Meine Begeisterung für Yoga, indische Philosophie und Sanskrit führte mich zum Studium der Indologie und Religionswissenschaft an der Universität Heidelberg. Seit 2004 befinde ich mich auf meinem persönlichen Yogaweg... more ›