With āsana firmly established, the yogī, with self-control, eating healthy and moderate food, should practice prāṇāyāma according to the instructions of his guru.

This opening verse of the second chapter establishes the prerequisites for prāṇāyāma practice:

1. Āsane dṛḍhe — The āsana must be firmly established. The seated posture must be stable and comfortable before attempting to control the breath.

2. Vaśī — Self-control. Mastery over the senses and emotions.

3. Hita-mitāśanaḥ — Healthy and moderate diet. Hita (beneficial) and mita (moderate).

4. Gurūpadiṣṭa-mārgena — According to the path indicated by the guru. Prāṇāyāma should not be learned from books but from a qualified teacher.

The sequence is significant: first āsana, then diet and self-control, and only then prāṇāyāma under proper guidance.