Dvitīya-prakaraṇam (Niyama) · Verse 6

यत्प्रसन्नत्वभावेन विष्णुं वाऽप्यन्यमेव वा । यथाशक्त्यर्चनं भक्त्या ह्येतदीश्वरपूजनम् ॥

yatprasannatvabhāvena viṣṇuṃ vā'pyanyameva vā | yathāśaktyarcanaṃ bhaktyā hyetadīśvarapūjanam ||

The verse establishes Īśvara worship, denoting the supreme divine being, as fundamentally linked to bhakti, devotion, and a specific approach to its expression. The phrase “with an attitude of satisfaction” – prasanna-atibhāva – signifies a state of serene contentment, free from egoic desire and striving, a characteristic deeply resonant with the ātman and the ultimate reality. The capacity, yathāśakty, underscores the importance of engaging in this worship within the boundaries of one’s abilities, acknowledging the inherent limitations of human perception and offering a sincere, heartfelt devotion. This act of īśvara-pūjanam – worship of Īśvara – is presented as the true form of devotion, transcending mere ritualistic performance and embodying a profound connection with the divine source. It is a demonstration of surrender and trust, vital for dissolving the illusion of separation.