Tṛtīyopadeśaḥ (Mudrā) · Verse 18
नित्यं षण्मासमभ्यस्तो महाबन्धविचक्षणः | निर्विकल्पं मनः कृत्वा योगी योगपरायणः ||
nityaṃ ṣaṇmāsam abhyasto mahābandhavicakṣaṇaḥ | nirvikalpaṃ manaḥ kṛtvā yogī yogaparāyaṇaḥ ||
The practice period: six months of daily practice (ṣaṇ-māsa-abhyasta) to master Mahābandha. It is not a technique learned in a weekend.
“Free from fluctuations” (nirvikalpa) describes the resulting mental state. The vikalpas — modifications, fluctuating thoughts — are quieted through sustained practice.
The yogi “dedicated to yoga” (yoga-parāyaṇaḥ) is one who has made yoga their primary refuge. Not a hobby but the axis of existence. Such results require such commitment.