Yoga destroys the suffering of one who is moderate in food and recreation, balanced in actions, and regulated in sleep and waking.

This verse, which appears almost identically in the Bhagavad Gītā (6.17), establishes the principle of yukta — balance, proportion, what is just. It is not about ascetic extremes but intelligent moderation.

Āhāra (food) includes everything we “consume”: food, but also sensory impressions and information. Vihāra (recreation) recognizes the need for appropriate rest and pleasure.

The regulation of sleep (svapna) and waking (avabodha) indicates that yoga operates 24 hours. Circadian rhythms profoundly affect practice.

The promised fruit is clear: duḥkhahā, destruction of suffering. Not superficial happiness but liberation from the cycle of dissatisfaction.

This balance is more difficult than extremes. Anyone can fast for three days or not sleep one night. Finding the right point requires sustained self-knowledge.