Three wooden bolts beside a seated figure.
Three wooden bolts beside a seated figure.

Gorakṣaśataka 50–63: The Root Lock, Uḍḍīyana and Jālandhara

Contraction, upward movement and the throat are joined in a sequence. The historical description leaves several questions of execution unresolved.

Dr. Ronald Steiner Dr. Ronald Steiner
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 50
नित्यं कृते तेन असौ वायोर् जयम् अवाप्नुयात् |
nityaṃ kṛte tena a*sau; vāyor jayam avāpnuyāt | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
nityam
adverb
constantly
kṛte
lokative absolutus singular neuter past participle passive
verbal root
when performed
tena
instrumental case singular neuter
pronoun dem
through this
asau
nominative singular masculine
pronoun dem
that person
vāyoḥ
genitive singular
substantive masculine
of the breath
jayam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
mastery
avāpnuyāt
3rd person singular aktive optative
previx
verbal root
one should attain
चतुर्णाम् अपि भेदानां कुम्भके समुपस्थिते ||50||
caturṇām api bhedānāṃ; kumbhake samupasthite ||50|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
caturṇām
genitive plural masculine
numeral
of the four
api
particle
also
bhedānām
genitive plural
substantive masculine
forms
kumbhake
lokative singular
substantive masculine
breath retention
samupasthite
lokative absolutus singular masculine past participle passive
previx
previx
verbal root
when begun
When [this] has been practised (kṛte | loc absl sg n ppp) constantly (nityam), that person (asau | nom sg m) should thereby (tena | ins sg n) attain (avāpnuyāt | 3p sg act opt) mastery (jayam | acc sg) of the breath (vāyoḥ | gen sg). When breath retention (kumbhake | loc sg) has begun (samupasthite | loc absl sg m ppp) in all (api) four (caturṇām | gen pl m) forms (bhedānām | gen pl) …
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Regularity can make relationships familiar. The way different steps work together becomes easier to recognise.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
tena a*sau ] tenāsau JMoJ
Critical Apparatus

For metrical reading, I resolve tenāsau into tena asau. The asterisk marks the restored initial a of asau; the IAST base remains unchanged. The first line’s fifteen syllables thereby become two eight-syllable pādas: nityaṃ kṛte tena asau and vāyor jayam avāpnuyāt. Their patterns are GGLGGLLG and GGLLLGLG. The first pāda follows Bha-vipulā; a word boundary occurs after the fourth syllable, at the end of kṛte. This editorial metrical resolution is not attested at this location by an additionally checked Gorakṣaśataka witness. The grammatical analysis of tena and asau is retained.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 51
बन्धत्रयम् इदं कार्यं वक्ष्यमाणं मया हि तत् |
bandha-trayam idaṃ kāryaṃ; vakṣyamāṇaṃ mayā hi tat | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
bandha
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
lock
trayam
nominative singular
substantive neuter
three
idam
nominative singular neuter
pronoun dem
this
kāryam
nominative singular neuter future participle passive
verbal root
to be done
vakṣyamāṇam
nominative singular neuter future participle medial
verbal root
to be explained
mayā
instrumental case singular
pronoun pers 1p
by me
hi
particle
for
tat
nominative singular neuter
pronoun dem
this
प्रथमो मूलबन्धस्तु द्वितीयो ऽड्डीयनाभिदः ||51||
prathamo mūla-bandhas tu; dvitīyo 'ḍḍīyanābhidaḥ ||51|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
prathamaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
first
mūla
tatpuruṣa-compound lokative
substantive neuter
root
bandhaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
lock
tu
particle
however
dvitīyaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
second
uḍḍīyana
upapada-compound
substantive neuter
flying upwards
abhidaḥ
nominative singular masculine
abhida
adjective
called
… these (idam | nom sg n) three locks (bandha-trayam | nom sg) are to be performed (kāryam | nom sg n pfp), for (hi) that (tat | nom sg n) is what will be explained (vakṣyamāṇam | nom sg n pfm) by me (mayā | ins sg). The first (prathamaḥ | nom sg m) is the root lock (mūla-bandhaḥ | nom sg), while (tu) the second (dvitīyaḥ | nom sg m) is named Uḍḍīyana (uḍḍīyana-abhidaḥ | nom sg m) …
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
A sequence can offer orientation. Get to know the individual elements before assessing how they work together.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

The names are Mūlabandha, Uḍḍīyana and, in the following half-verse, Jālandhara. Spellings of Uḍḍīyana vary in the working text; I do not silently regularise its Sanskrit wording.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 52
जालन्धरस्तृतीयस्तु तेषां लक्षणम् उच्यते |
jālandharas tṛtīyas tu; teṣāṃ lakṣaṇam ucyate | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
jālandharaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
Jālandhara
tṛtīyaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
third
tu
particle
however
teṣām
genitive plural masculine
pronoun dem
of these
lakṣaṇam
nominative singular
substantive neuter
defining feature
ucyate
3rd person singular passive present
verbal root
is called
अधोगतिम् अपानं वै ऊर्ध्वगं कुरुते बलात् ||52||
adho-gatim apānaṃ vai; ūrdhva-gaṃ kurute balāt ||52|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
adhas
upapada-compound
adverb
downwards
gatim
accusative singular masculine
substantive feminine
going; unusual form
apānam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
downward breath
vai
particle
certainly
ūrdhva
upapada-compound
adjective
upward
gam
accusative singular masculine
adjective
going
kurute
3rd person singular medial present
verbal root
makes
balāt
ablative singular
substantive neuter
with strength
… and (tu) the third (tṛtīyaḥ | nom sg m) is Jālandhara (jālandharaḥ | nom sg). Their (teṣām | gen pl m) characteristics (lakṣaṇam | nom sg) are stated (ucyate | 3p sg pas pres): [that which] indeed (vai) makes (kurute | 3p sg med pres) the downward-moving (adhas-gatim | acc sg m) Apāna (apānam | acc sg) move upwards (ūrdhva-gam | acc sg m) by force (balāt | abl sg) …
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
A deliberate change of direction can set much in motion. Distinguish clear orientation from sheer force.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
jālandharas ] jālājvaras R7874apJM
teṣāṃ lakṣaṇam ucyate ] lakṣaṇaṃ kathayamy ataḥ R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

Apāna denotes the downward-directed vital wind. adhogatim is grammatically unusual but is read in context as qualifying apānam. The sentence ends in 53.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 53
आकुञ्चनेन तं प्राहुर् मूलबन्धो हि योगिनः |
ākuñcanena taṃ prāhur; mūla-bandho hi yoginaḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
ākuñcanena
instrumental case singular
substantive neuter
through contraction
tam
accusative singular masculine
pronoun dem
that one
prāhuḥ
3rd person plural aktive perfekte
previx
verbal root
they call
mūla
tatpuruṣa-compound lokative
substantive neuter
root
bandhaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
lock
hi
particle
for
yoginaḥ
nominative plural
substantive masculine
the yogins
अपाने चोर्ध्वगे जाते संप्राप्ते वह्निमण्डले ||53||
apāne cordhva-ge jāte; saṃprāpte vahni-maṇḍale ||53|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
apāne
lokative singular
substantive masculine
Apāna
ca
particle
and
ūrdhva
upapada-compound
adjective
upward
ge
lokative singular masculine
adjective
going
jāte
lokative absolutus singular masculine past participle passive
verbal root
when become
saṃprāpte
lokative singular masculine past participle passive
previx
previx
verbal root
having reached
vahni
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
fire
maṇḍale
lokative singular
substantive neuter
region
… through contraction (ākuñcanena | ins sg); indeed (hi), the yogins (yoginaḥ | nom pl) call (prāhuḥ | 3p pl act perf) that (tam | acc sg m) the root lock (mūla-bandhaḥ | nom sg). And (ca) when Apāna (apāne | loc sg) has become (jāte | loc absl sg m ppp) upward-moving (ūrdhva-ge | loc sg m) and has reached (saṃprāpte | loc sg m ppp) the region of fire (vahni-maṇḍale | loc sg) …
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Gathering attention can change a movement. Notice how a finely measured action affects the whole.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
hi yoginaḥ ] ayam ucyate R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

mūlabandho is nominative, although the connection with taṃ prāhuḥ would suggest an accusative. I retain the form and translate the recognisable naming construction.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 54
ततो ऽनलशिखा दीर्घा वर्धते वायुनाहता |
tato 'nala-śikhā dīrghā; vardhate vāyunāhatā | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tataḥ
adverb
then
anala
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
fire
śikhā
nominative singular
substantive feminine
flame
dīrghā
nominative singular feminine
adjective
long
vardhate
3rd person singular medial present
verbal root
increases
vāyu
tatpuruṣa-compound instrumental case
substantive masculine
wind
āhatā
nominative singular feminine past participle passive
previx
verbal root
fanned
ततो यातौ वह्न्यपानौ प्राणम् उष्णस्वरूपकम् ||54||
tato yātau vahny-apānau; prāṇam uṣṇa-sva-rūpakam ||54|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tataḥ
adverb
then
yātau
nominative dual masculine past participle passive
verbal root
having reached
vahni
dvandva-compound
substantive masculine
fire
apānau
nominative dual
substantive masculine
and Apāna
prāṇam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
breath
uṣṇa
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
hot
sva
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
adjective
own
rūpakam
accusative singular masculine
adjective
having the nature
… then (tataḥ) a long (dīrghā | nom sg f) flame of fire (anala-śikhā | nom sg) grows (vardhate | 3p sg med pres), fanned by the wind (vāyu-āhatā | nom sg f ppp). Then (tataḥ) fire and Apāna (vahni-apānau | nom du) have reached (yātau | nom du m ppp) the breath (prāṇam | acc sg), whose nature is hot (uṣṇa-sva-rūpakam | acc sg m) …
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
The image of a fanned fire makes intensification tangible. Notice when a small change sets a larger process in motion.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
nalaśikhā ] nilaśikhā R7874apJM
vāyunāhatā ] vāyur āhatā R7874apJM
vahnyapānau ] vahyamānau R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

The passage develops the interaction of wind and fire within its own model of the body. The continuation in 55 is elliptical.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 55
तेनात्यन्तप्रदीप्तेन ज्वलनो देहजस्तथा |
tenātyanta-pradīptena; jvalano deha-jas tathā | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tena
instrumental case singular neuter
pronoun dem
through this
atyanta
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
extremely
pradīptena
instrumental case singular masculine past participle passive
previx
verbal root
through the kindled
jvalanaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
fire
deha
upapada-compound
substantive masculine
body
jaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
arisen
tathā
adverb
likewise
तेन कुण्डलिनी सुप्ता संतप्ता संप्रबुध्यते ||55||
tena kuṇḍalinī suptā; saṃtaptā saṃprabudhyate ||55|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tena
instrumental case singular neuter
pronoun dem
through that
kuṇḍalinī
nominative singular
substantive feminine
Kuṇḍalinī
suptā
nominative singular feminine past participle passive
verbal root
asleep
saṃtaptā
nominative singular feminine past participle passive
previx
verbal root
heated
saṃprabudhyate
3rd person singular medial present
previx
previx
verbal root
awakens
Through this (tena | ins sg n) intensely kindled [breath] (atyanta-pradīptena | ins sg m ppp), the fire (jvalanaḥ | nom sg) arising in the body (deha-jaḥ | nom sg m) is likewise (tathā) [kindled]. Heated (saṃtaptā | nom sg f ppp) by it (tena | ins sg n), sleeping (suptā | nom sg f ppp) Kuṇḍalinī (kuṇḍalinī | nom sg) awakens (saṃprabudhyate | 3p sg med pres).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
When something becomes lively within you, more than one area may change. Attend to these interactions.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

The first half-verse lacks a finite verb; “is kindled” is supplied from context. The feminine participles of the second half refer to Kuṇḍalinī.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 56
दण्डाहताभुजंगीवा निश्वस्य ऋजुतां व्रजेत् |
daṇḍāhatā-bhujaṃgīvā; niśvasya ṛjutāṃ vrajet | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
daṇḍa
tatpuruṣa-compound instrumental case
substantive masculine
stick
āhatā
karmadhāraya-compound past participle passive
previx
verbal root
struck
bhujaṅgīvā
unclear: apparently “like a snake”
niśvasya
absolutus
previx
verbal root
having hissed
ṛjutām
accusative singular
substantive feminine
straightness
vrajet
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
she should reach
बिलप्रवेशतो यथा ब्रह्मनाड्यन्तरं व्रजेत् ||56||
bila-praveśato yathā; brahma-nāḍy-antaraṃ vrajet ||56|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
bila
tatpuruṣa-compound accusative
substantive neuter
hole
praveśataḥ
praveśatas
adverb
in entering
yathā
particle
as, so that
brahma
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
Brahman
nāḍī
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive feminine
channel
antaram
accusative singular
substantive neuter
interior
vrajet
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
she should reach
Like a snake struck by a stick (daṇḍa-āhatā-bhujaṅgīvā), having hissed (niśvasya | abs), she should become (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) straight (ṛjutām | acc sg); as (yathā) when entering a hole (bila-praveśataḥ), she should enter (vrajet | 3p sg act opt) the interior of the Brahman-channel (brahma-nāḍī-antaram | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
A forceful image can portray a change of direction. In your own practice, you can let it become a gentle unfolding.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
yathā ] yatra R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

The working text’s bhujaṃgīvā is irregular in place of the expected sequence bhujaṅgī iva. I mark the analysis as uncertain and translate the recognisable snake image. The image does not justify a violent approach to practice.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 57
तस्मान् नित्यं मूलबन्धः कर्तव्यो योगिभिः सदा |
tasmān nityaṃ mūla-bandhaḥ; kartavyo yogibhiḥ sadā | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tasmāt
ablative singular neuter
pronoun dem
therefore
nityam
adverb
constantly
mūla
tatpuruṣa-compound lokative
substantive neuter
root
bandhaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
lock
kartavyaḥ
nominative singular masculine future participle passive
verbal root
to be performed
yogibhiḥ
instrumental case plural
substantive masculine
by yogins
sadā
adverb
always
कुंभकान्ते रेचकादौ कर्तव्यस्तूड्डियाणकः ||57||
kuṃbhakānte recakādau; kartavyas tūḍḍiyāṇakaḥ ||57|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
kumbhaka
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
breath retention
ante
lokative singular
substantive masculine
at the end
recaka
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
exhalation
ādau
lokative singular
substantive masculine
at the outset
kartavyaḥ
nominative singular masculine future participle passive
verbal root
to be performed
tu
particle
however
uḍḍiyāṇakaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
Uḍḍiyāṇaka
Therefore (tasmāt | abl sg n) the root lock (mūla-bandhaḥ | nom sg) is to be performed (kartavyaḥ | nom sg m pfp) by yogins (yogibhiḥ | ins pl) constantly (nityam), always (sadā). At the end of retention (kumbhaka-ante | loc sg), at the beginning of exhalation (recaka-ādau | loc sg), Uḍḍiyāṇaka (uḍḍiyāṇakaḥ | nom sg), however (tu), is to be performed (kartavyaḥ | nom sg m pfp).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Timing is part of a practice too. Attend to the transition between holding and releasing.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
kartavyas tūḍḍiyāṇakaḥ ] kartavyo ḍḍīyaṇābhidhaḥ R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

The passage moves from Mūlabandha to Uḍḍīyana. It explicitly sets the timing at the end of breath retention and the beginning of exhalation.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 58
बन्धो येन सुषुम्नायां प्राणस्तूड्डीयते ततः |
bandho yena suṣumnāyāṃ; prāṇas tūḍḍīyate tataḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
bandhaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
lock
yena
instrumental case singular masculine
pronoun rel
through which
suṣumnāyām
lokative singular
suṣumnā
substantive feminine
in Suṣumnā
prāṇaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
breath
tu
particle
however
uḍḍīyate
3rd person singular medial present
previx
verbal root
flies upwards
tataḥ
adverb
then
तस्मादुड्डीयणाख्यो ऽयं योगिभिः समुदाहृतः ||58||
tasmād uḍḍīyaṇākhyo 'yaṃ; yogibhiḥ samudāhṛtaḥ ||58|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tasmāt
ablative singular neuter
pronoun dem
therefore
uḍḍīyaṇa
upapada-compound
substantive neuter
flying upwards
ākhyaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
called
ayam
nominative singular masculine
pronoun dem
this
yogibhiḥ
instrumental case plural
substantive masculine
by yogins
samudāhṛtaḥ
nominative singular masculine past participle passive
previx
previx
previx
verbal root
designated
This (ayam | nom sg m) lock (bandhaḥ | nom sg), however (tu), through which (yena | ins sg m) the breath (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) then (tataḥ) flies upwards (uḍḍīyate | 3p sg med pres) in Suṣumnā (suṣumnāyām | loc sg), has therefore (tasmāt | abl sg n) been designated (samudāhṛtaḥ | nom sg m ppp) Uḍḍīyaṇa (uḍḍīyaṇa-ākhyaḥ | nom sg m) by yogins (yogibhiḥ | ins pl).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
“Flying upwards” gives the movement an image. Let it orient you without forcing a particular sensation.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
bandho ] vajro R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

The name is explained through the verb uḍḍīyate, “flies upwards”. The variant spelling uḍḍīyaṇa is retained in the base text.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 59
सति वज्रासने पादौ कराभ्यां धारयेद्दृढं |
sati vajrāsane pādau; karābhyāṃ dhārayed dṛḍhaṃ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
sati
lokative absolutus singular neuter present participle active
verbal root
when being
vajra
karmadhāraya-compound
substantive neuter
thunderbolt
āsane
lokative singular
substantive neuter
seat
pādau
accusative dual
substantive masculine
both feet
karābhyām
instrumental case dual
substantive masculine
with both hands
dhārayet
3rd person singular aktive optative causative
verbal root
one should hold
dṛḍham
adverb
firmly
गुल्फदेशसमीपे च कन्दं तत्र प्रपीडयेत् ||59||
gulpha-deśa-samīpe ca; kandaṃ tatra prapīḍayet ||59|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
gulpha
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
ankle
deśa
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
region
samīpe
lokative singular
substantive neuter
near
ca
particle
and
kandam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
bulb-like base
tatra
adverb
there
prapīḍayet
3rd person singular aktive optative causative
previx
verbal root
one should press
When one is (sati | loc absl sg n pca) in the thunderbolt posture (vajra-āsane | loc sg), one should hold (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt caus) both feet (pādau | acc du) firmly (dṛḍham) with both hands (karābhyām | ins du), and (ca) press (prapīḍayet | 3p sg act opt caus) the bulb (kandam | acc sg) there (tatra), near the ankle region (gulpha-deśa-samīpe | loc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Stability arises through several points of contact working together. Explore where a posture finds its support.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
gulpha ] gulma R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

The exact location of kanda is not fixed anatomically. The position of this pair of half-verses within the account of Uḍḍīyana still requires explanation; I do not move it.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 60
पश्चिमं ताणम् उदरे धारयेद्धृदये गले |
paścimaṃ tāṇam udare; dhārayed dhṛdaye gale | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
paścimam
accusative singular masculine
adjective
backward
tāṇam
accusative singular
tāṇa
substantive masculine
a pull
udare
lokative singular
substantive neuter
in the belly
dhārayet
3rd person singular aktive optative causative
verbal root
one should hold
dhṛdaye
unclear: probably hṛdaye, in the heart
gale
lokative singular
substantive masculine
in the throat
शनैः शनैर् यथा प्राणस्तुन्दसन्धिं न गच्छति ||60||
śanaiḥ śanair yathā prāṇas; tunda-sandhiṃ na gacchati ||60|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
śanaiḥ
adverb
slowly
śanaiḥ
adverb
slowly
yathā
particle
as, so that
prāṇaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
breath
tunda
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
belly
sandhim
accusative singular
substantive masculine
junction
na
particle
not
gacchati
3rd person singular aktive present
verbal root
goes
One should maintain (dhārayet | 3p sg act opt caus) a backward (paścimam | acc sg m) pull (tāṇam | acc sg) in the belly (udare | loc sg), heart (dhṛdaye) and throat (gale | loc sg), gradually (śanaiḥ), gradually (śanaiḥ), so that (yathā) the breath (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) does not (na) reach (gacchati | 3p sg act pres) the junction of the belly (tunda-sandhim | acc sg).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
A small change in the torso may be felt as far as the throat. Slowness helps you distinguish these connections.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
yathā ] yadā R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

I translate dhṛdaye as “in the heart”, understanding it as a scribal error for hṛdaye. The adjacent bodily locations, belly and throat, and Mallinson’s translation “heart” (2012, p. 270) support this. The working text’s form remains in the Sanskrit; its uncertain analysis is not thereby presented as a regular word form. tundasandhi literally denotes a junction of the belly. Its exact location remains open.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 61
तुन्ददोषं विनिर्धूय कर्तव्यं सततं शनैः |
tunda-doṣaṃ vinirdhūya; kartavyaṃ satataṃ śanaiḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
tunda
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
belly
doṣam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
disorder
vinirdhūya
absolutus
previx
previx
verbal root
having removed
kartavyam
nominative singular neuter future participle passive
verbal root
to be done
satatam
adverb
continually
śanaiḥ
adverb
slowly
पूरकान्ते तु कर्तव्यो बन्धो जालन्धराभिधः ||61||
pūrakānte tu kartavyo; bandho jālandharābhidhaḥ ||61|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
pūraka
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
inhalation
ante
lokative singular
substantive masculine
at the end
tu
particle
however
kartavyaḥ
nominative singular masculine future participle passive
verbal root
to be performed
bandhaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
lock
jālandhara
upapada-compound
substantive masculine
Jālandhara
abhidhaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
called
Once [one] has removed (vinirdhūya | abs) a disorder of the belly (tunda-doṣam | acc sg), this is to be performed (kartavyam | nom sg n pfp) continually (satatam) and slowly (śanaiḥ). At the end of inhalation (pūraka-ante | loc sg), however (tu), the lock (bandhaḥ | nom sg) named Jālandhara (jālandhara-abhidhaḥ | nom sg m) is to be performed (kartavyaḥ | nom sg m pfp).
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Slowness and suitable timing can give an action clarity. Notice how one transition prepares the next.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
jālandharābhidhaḥ ] jālālvarābhidhaḥ R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

61ab continues the preceding account of the abdominal pull; 61cd begins Jālandhara. The working text specifies the end of inhalation as the time for it.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 62
कण्ठसंकोचरूपो ऽसौ वायुमार्गनिरोधकः |
kaṇṭha-saṃkoca-rūpo 'sau; vāyu-mārga-nirodhakaḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
kaṇṭha
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
of the throat
saṃkoca
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
contraction
rūpaḥ
nominative singular masculine
substantive neuter
having the form
asau
nominative singular masculine
pronoun dem
that person
vāyu
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
wind
mārga
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
path
nirodhakaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
blocking
अतस्त्व् आकुञ्चनेनाशु कण्ठसंकोचने कृते ||62||
atas tv ākuñcanenāśu; kaṇṭha-saṃkocane kṛte ||62|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
ataḥ
adverb
through this
tu
particle
however
ākuñcanena
instrumental case singular
substantive neuter
through contraction
āśu
adverb
swiftly
kaṇṭha
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
of the throat
saṃkocane
lokative singular
substantive neuter
in contraction
kṛte
lokative absolutus singular neuter past participle passive
verbal root
when performed
That [lock] (asau | nom sg m) takes the form of contraction of the throat (kaṇṭha-saṃkoca-rūpaḥ | nom sg m) and blocks the path of the breath (vāyu-mārga-nirodhakaḥ | nom sg m). Through this (ataḥ), however (tu), swiftly (āśu), through contraction (ākuñcanena | ins sg), when the constriction of the throat (kaṇṭha-saṃkocane | loc sg) has been performed (kṛte | loc absl sg n ppp) …
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
A change at the throat affects the space of breathing. Subtle awareness helps you distinguish constriction from collected attention.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer

The second half-verse leads into the interaction of the locks in 63. Mallinson’s parallel reference gives a different connection here; I retain the supplied main text.

Apparatus Comment
Gorakṣaśataka (Original) 63
मध्ये पश्चिमताणेन स्यात्प्राणो ब्रह्मनाडिगः |
madhye paścima-tāṇena; syāt prāṇo brahma-nāḍi-gaḥ | Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
madhye
lokative singular
substantive neuter
in the middle
paścima
karmadhāraya-compound
adjective
backward
tāṇena
instrumental case singular
tāṇa
substantive masculine
through a pull
syāt
3rd person singular aktive optative
verbal root
it would be
prāṇaḥ
nominative singular
substantive masculine
breath
brahma
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive neuter
Brahman
nāḍi
tatpuruṣa-compound lokative
substantive feminine
in the channel
gaḥ
nominative singular masculine
adjective
going
अथेदानीं प्रवक्ष्यामि समाधिक्रमम् उत्तमम् ||63||
athedānīṃ pravakṣyāmi; samādhi-kramam uttamam ||63|| Analysis ▾ Analysis ▴
atha
particle
now
idānīm
adverb
now
pravakṣyāmi
1st person singular aktive future
previx
verbal root
I shall explain
samādhi
tatpuruṣa-compound genitive
substantive masculine
absorption
kramam
accusative singular
substantive masculine
sequence
uttamam
accusative singular masculine
adjective
excellent
… the breath (prāṇaḥ | nom sg) would (syāt | 3p sg act opt) enter the Brahman-channel (brahma-nāḍi-gaḥ | nom sg m) through the backward pull (paścima-tāṇena | ins sg) in the middle (madhye | loc sg). Next (atha), I shall now (idānīm) explain (pravakṣyāmi | 1p sg act fut) the excellent (uttamam | acc sg m) sequence of absorption (samādhi-kramam | acc sg) …
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - historically literal
Collected attention can emerge from several steps working together. From here, the focus turns towards absorption.
Dr. Ronald Steiner - 2026 - modern transfer
brahmanāḍigaḥ ] brahmanāḍikaḥ R7874apJM
Critical Apparatus

63ab concludes the account of the locks; 63cd introduces samādhi, absorption. The shortened form nāḍi in the compound is retained in the Sanskrit.

Apparatus Comment

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Dr. Ronald Steiner

From 89075 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 ›

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