Text 10] Kapila’s Instructions on Devotional Service 1183
Krsna. The hatha-yoga system, or breathing system, is especially recom-
mended for those who are very absorbed in the concept of bodily
existence, but one who can perform the simple process of chanting Hare
Krsna can fix the mind more easily.

Three different activities are recommended for clearing the passage of
breath: piiraka, kumbhaka and recaka. \nhaling the breath is called piiraka,
sustaining it within is called kumbhaka, and finally exhaling it is called
recaka, These recommended processes can also be performed in the reverse
order. After exhaling, one can keep the air outside for some time and then
inhale. The nerves through which inhalation and exhalation are conducted
are technically called ida and pingala. The ultimate purpose of clearing the
ida and pingala passages is to divert the mind from material enjoyment. As
stated in Bhagavad-gitd, one’s mind is his enemy, and one’s mind is also his
friend; its position varies according to the different dealings of the living
entity. If we divert our mind to thoughts of material enjoyment, then our
mind becomes an enemy, and if we concentrate our mind on the lotus feet
of Krsna, then our mind is a friend. By the yoga system of puraka,
kumbhaka and recaka or by directly fixing the mind on the sound
vibration of Krsna or on the form of Krsna, the same purpose is achieved.
In Bhagavad-gita (8.8) it is said that one must practice the breathing
exercise (abhydsa-yoga-yuktena). By virtue of these processes of control,
the mind cannot wander to external thoughts (cetasa nanya-gamina). Thus
one can fix his mind constantly on the Supreme Personality of Godhead
and can attain (yati) Him.

Practicing the yoga system of exercise and breath control is very difficult
for a person of this age, and therefore Lord Caitanya recommended,
kirtanityah sada harih: one should always chant the holy name of the
Supreme Lord, Krsna, because Krsna is the most suitable name of the
Supreme Personality of Godhead. The name Krsna and the Supreme Person
Krsna are nondifferent. Therefore, if one concentrates his mind on hearing
and chanting Hare Krsna, the same result is achieved.

TEXT 10
HRS PTT eT aA: |
Treafaeat Ta ae Sard eT ATTN oll
mano ‘cirat syad virajam
jita-svdsasya yoginah
