the indications occurring in the
scriptures, are practices endued with attributes and those freed from
attributes. The concentration of the mind on the sixteen objects named,
with simultaneous regulation of the breath, O king, is one kind. The
concentration of the mind in such a way as to destroy all difference
between the contemplator, the object contemplated, and the act of
contemplation along with subjugation of the senses, is of another kind.
The first kind of Yoga is said to be that possessed of attributes; the
second kind is said to be that freed from attributes.[1657] Then, again,
regulation of the breath is Yoga with attributes. In Yoga without
attributes, the mind, freed from its functions, should be fixed. Only the
regulation of the breath which is said to be endued with attributes
should, in the first instance, be practised, for, O ruler of Mithila, if
the breath (that is inhaled and suspended) be exhaled without mentally
reflecting the while upon a definite image (furnished by a limited
mantra), the wind in the neophyte's system will increase to his great
injury.[1658] In the first Yama of the night, twelve ways of holding the
breath are recommended. After sleep, in the last Yama of the night, other
twelve ways of doing the same have been laid down. Without doubt, one
endued with tranquillity, of subdued senses, living in retirement,
rejoicing in one's own self, and fully conversant with the import of the
scriptures, should (regulating one's breath in these four and twenty
ways) fix one's Soul (on the Supreme Soul).[1659] Dispelling the five
faults of the five senses, viz., (withdrawing them from their objects of)
sound, form, touch, taste, and scent, and dispelling those conditions
called Pratibha and Apavarga, O ruler of the Mithilas, all the senses
should be fixed upon the mind. The mind should then be fixed on
Consciousness, O king, Consciousness should next be fixed on intelligence
or Buddhi, and Buddhi, should then be fixed on Prakriti. Thus merging
these one after another, Yogins contemplate the Supreme Soul which is
One, which is freed from Rajas, which is stainless, which is Immutable
and Infinite and Pure and without defect, who is Eternal Purusha, who is
unchangeable, who is Indivisible, who is without decay and death, who is
everlasting, who transcends diminution, and which is Immutable Brahma.
Listen now, O monarch, to the indications of one that is in Yoga. All the
indications of cheerful content