Caturthopadeśaḥ (Pratyāhāra) · Verse 5
एवं प्रत्याहारमाख्यातं योगिनां सिद्धिदायकम् | ततः प्राणायमं कुर्याद्यावदिच्छति तत्त्ववित् ||
evaṃ pratyāhāram ākhyātaṃ yogināṃ siddhidāyakam | tataḥ prāṇāyamaṃ kuryād yāvad icchati tattvavid ||
Closing the brief chapter on pratyāhāra. With only five verses, it is the shortest in the text, reflecting that this stage is a bridge rather than a destination.
The transition to prāṇāyāma is natural. The withdrawal of the senses creates the inner space where breathing can be worked deeply.
“As much as desired” — moderation remains the guiding principle. Even in advanced practice, excess is counterproductive.