This heart within this body is the Puruṣa, the transformation of the Puruṣa. He is the portal of all creatures, the gods are firmly established in Him. That is the illuminated flame which the wise brāhmaṇa sees, contemplating the yoga māyā of Brahman.

The hṛdaya (heart) is the microcosm that reflects the macrocosm. The Puruṣa is “transformed” here to dwell in the body, without losing His transcendent nature. He is the mukha (mouth/portal) through which all creatures emerge and return. In our yoga practice, we develop vipaśyanā (clear vision) to perceive this inner flame, which is Brahman manifested. The term “yoga māyā” suggests that this manifestation is not illusion but the unifying power that connects the finite with the infinite, allowing the transcendent to be known in immanence.