Through the practice of austerity Brahman is developed, from it food is born; from food, vital energy, mind, truth, worlds, and in actions, immortality.

This verse describes the evolutionary chain from the absolute to manifestation, and back to transcendence.

Tapasā cīyate — developed through ardent practice. Tapas is not merely physical mortification but the heat of spiritual practice that purifies and transforms.

Tato’nnam abhijāyate — from it food is born. Brahman first condenses into sustainable substance, the basic matter from which everything is composed.

Annāt prāṇo manaḥ — from food, vital energy and mind. The evolutionary pyramid: matter → energy → mind. Density becomes subtlety.

Satyaṃ lokāḥ — truth and worlds. Truth as cosmic order, as the organizing principle of realities.

Karmasu cāmṛtam — in actions, immortality. Not escaping from action but acting with knowledge, amṛta is attained.

For the yogī, each āsana, each prāṇāyāma, is tapas that refines the subtle elements of being, preparing it for direct vision of reality.