Ṣaṣṭha-prakaraṇam (Pratyāhāra) · Verse 14

पृथ्व्यां धृत्वा तु चित्तं वै स्थैर्यं लभेत् स योगवित् । आप्ये तु रागशून्यः स्यात् तेजसि तेजसां वरः ॥

pṛthvyāṃ dhṛtvā tu cittaṃ vai sthairyaṃ labhet sa yogavit | āpye tu rāgaśūnyaḥ syāt tejasi tejasāṃ varaḥ ||

This verse details the specific outcomes associated with applying the five dhāraṇās within each of the elemental realms. Holding the mind firmly in prithvi – earth – yields sthairya, stability, reflecting the grounding and anchoring effect of this element. This suggests a practice of stabilizing the mind through the awareness of the solid, grounded nature of the earth, a direct path to reducing mental restlessness. In apa – water – the yogī becomes raga-shunya, free from attachments, indicating the dissolving of desire and emotional reactivity through the reflective qualities of water. Finally, in tejas – fire – the practitioner becomes tejasam varah, most excellent of the brilliant, signifying the illumination and clarity that arises through the intense, transformative energy of fire, a state of heightened awareness and wisdom. This verse underscores the importance of aligning yogic practice with the inherent qualities of the elements, recognizing them as pathways to profound transformation.