Dvitīya-prakaraṇam (Niyama) · Verse 21
एतानि नियमानाहुर्नियमज्ञानिभिः सह । यमैश्च नियमैश्चैव युक्तः कालं नयेद् बुधः ॥
etāni niyamānāhurniyamajñānibhiḥ saha | yamaiśca niyamaiścaiva yuktaḥ kālaṃ nayed budhaḥ ||
The second verse of Prakaraṇa 2 firmly establishes the inextricable link between yama and niyama, presenting them not as isolated practices, but as a unified and foundational system. Yājñavalkya explicitly states that knowledge of niyama must be coupled with knowledge of yama, suggesting a parallel and interdependent understanding. The ‘wise one’ – the bhuta – who possesses both is then described as being ‘prepared’ (yuktah) to engage in āsana, indicating that the ethical and behavioral disciplines are not merely preparatory, but are integral to the successful execution of physical postures. This verse underscores the essential nature of establishing a stable and disciplined mind through the observance of yama and niyama before undertaking the demanding practice of āsana, recognizing that the physical postures are only effective when founded on a solid ethical and mental foundation.