Holding the body, head and neck erect and aligned, motionless and steady, gazing at the tip of the nose, not looking in other directions.

This verse describes the postural alignment for meditation with notable precision.

Sama (equal, aligned) applied to kāya-śiro-grīva (body-head-neck) establishes the fundamental principle: the spine erect, without inclination. This alignment allows natural breathing and optimal prāṇa flow.

Acala sthira (motionless and steady) reiterates Patañjali’s sthira-sukham. Motionlessness is not rigidity but relaxed stability.

Nāsikāgram (tip of the nose) indicates the direction of gaze (dṛṣṭi). The eyes half-closed, directed downward, reduce visual stimulation without the drowsiness of closed eyes.

Diśaś ca anavalokayan (not looking in other directions) points to concentration: the physical eyes reflect mental attention. Scattered gaze = scattered mind.

This posture is the foundation of Haṭha Yoga: before elaborate techniques, master the simple ability to sit erect and motionless.