Ṣaṣṭha-prakaraṇam (Pratyāhāra) · Verse 7

यथा कश्चन वृक्षस्थो पक्षी निष्कम्पमानसः । तथा धारणया युक्तो योगी भवति निश्चितम् ॥

yathā kaścana vṛkṣastho pakṣī niṣkampamānasaḥ | tathā dhāraṇayā yukto yogī bhavati niścitam ||

Verse 7 of Prakaraṇa VI draws a powerful analogy, comparing the yogī’s state to that of a bird securely perched in a tree, possessing an unperturbed nishkampam (mind). This imagery highlights the transformative effect of dhāraṇā; through the sustained focus, the chitta, ordinarily restless and prone to distraction, becomes similarly anchored and still. The stability achieved is not merely a passive state, but a profound reorganization of consciousness, akin to the bird’s inherent stillness within its environment. This aligns with the broader yogic tradition, particularly the emphasis on āsana – the cultivation of a stable physical posture – as a foundation for mental tranquility. Just as the bird’s physical position supports its alertness, dhāraṇā provides the necessary framework for the yogī to develop a focused samādhi, allowing for deeper explorations of the self. The verse serves as a potent reminder that the cultivation of unwavering attention is a cornerstone of the yogic path.