From saṃyama on the tortoise channel arises stability.

Kūrma is tortoise. Nāḍī is channel. Sthairya is stability, steadiness.

The kūrma nāḍī is a subtle channel located below the throat cavity, in the upper chest area.

Through saṃyama upon it, the yogī achieves absolute physical stability. The body can remain motionless like a rock.

The name “tortoise” evokes the animal that retracts its limbs and remains perfectly still. The yogī acquires that same capacity.

This stability is necessary for advanced meditation practices. Without it, involuntary movements interrupt deep states.

There is also a kūrma prāṇa, one of the five minor prāṇas, responsible for blinking and reflex movements. Controlling it, restlessness ceases.

Physical stability facilitates mental stability. Motionless body, motionless mind. It is the principle of āsana brought to perfection.