Śivasaṃhitā 5.253

The particle tasmāt (therefore, hence)—the conjunctive that in Indian thought marks an argument’s conclusion. After five chapters of elaborate philosophical, cosmological and technical weaving, the Śiva-saṃhitā’s conclusion is unequivocal: one must practice. The kriyāvidhāna (method of practice) is the entire teaching’s destination; without it, the text is dead letter.

Tasmāt = therefore/hence (the conclusive conjunction synthesizing all preceding argumentation), kriyā-vidhāna = the method of practices (kriyā = ritual or spiritual action/practice, vidhāna = arrangement, method, rule), kartavyā = must be performed (moral obligation, kṛ + tavya = duty to do), yogi-puṅgava = the bull/the excellent among yogis.

The term puṅgava (literally «bull») is a Sanskrit honorific for «the best of its class», used in the Mahābhārata for heroes like Arjuna (narapuṅgava = bull among men). Calling the practitioner yogipuṅgava grants the highest recognition: they are the hero of yoga, the one bringing practice to its highest expression. The teaching is not directed to all but to those with the bull’s strength to sustain it.