Just as the lion, elephant, and tiger are tamed gradually, so must prāṇa be controlled little by little; otherwise it destroys the practitioner.

This verse is a crucial warning about the respect that prāṇāyāma deserves. Svātmārāma uses the metaphor of three powerful wild animals:

• Siṃha (lion) — king of beasts, symbol of fierce power
• Gaja (elephant) — colossal strength, difficult to control
• Vyāghra (tiger) — lethal speed, unpredictable

These animals can be tamed (vaśya), but only śanaiḥ śanaiḥ — “little by little,” “gradually.” A hasty or careless approach results in destruction.

Prāṇa is equally powerful. Forcing prolonged retentions, practicing without adequate preparation, or ignoring the body’s signals can cause physical and mental harm: nervous system imbalances, anxiety, or respiratory problems.

The key is sevita — to serve, to cultivate with patience and respect, not to conquer by brute force.