Dvādaśa-prakaraṇam (Kuṇḍalinī) · Verse 12

याज्ञवल्क्य उवाच - गार्गि योगी भवेन्नित्यं सात्विकाहारमाश्रितः । मिताहारो मितस्वप्नः सदा योगपरायणः ॥

yājñavalkya uvāca - gārgi yogī bhavennityaṃ sātvikāhāramāśritaḥ | mitāhāro mitasvapnaḥ sadā yogaparāyaṇaḥ ||

Yājñavalkya’s response directly addresses the practical application of yoga within the context of worldly life, advocating for a carefully calibrated approach centered around sattvika-ahara – ‘sattvic food’. The emphasis on moderate eating and sleep, defined as mitahara and mitasvapna, reflects a sophisticated understanding of the relationship between prāṇa and nutrition, recognizing that excessive indulgence disrupts the delicate balance of energy flow. This principle aligns with the broader yogic injunctions regarding sensory restraint, intended to purify the nāḍī system and minimize distractions. Furthermore, the constant dedication to yogasada yoga-prāyayana – represents a sustained commitment to the core practices, fostering the stability necessary for deeper meditative states. This verse demonstrates that yoga is not simply a theoretical pursuit, but a dynamic process requiring conscious cultivation and disciplined attention to all aspects of existence, reflecting the holistic nature of the yogic path.