In the opening verse we are told that a wise person who have studied intensely, should eventually abandon them and take refuge in the chariot of OM. Here Vishnu and Rudra may guide his further journey, as a steady support on the way, yet in the ultimate stage the aspirant must relinquish the vehicle and come in the present of the Great Lord. The one is ready for the first limb of practice, which is here Pratyahara, and defined to be when ‘the senses and mind are reined in and rest in the Atma alone’ (v. 5). The six limbs of yoga are defined to be Pratyahara, Dhyana, Pranayama, Dharana, Tarka and Samadhi (v. 6) and considering the progression, unless the senses are reined in and more internally focused, a progression in yoga is truly difficult.
When internally focused, a practice of Pranayama will burn away imbalances in the mind and organs. Dharana will cleanse the mind of impurities and Dhyana will awaken sattvic qualities[2] from within. There is no doubt these practices are for the more advanced practitioner. One practice of pranayama is defined to be three Gayatris, with vyahrtis (declaration of the seven worlds) and Shirsa (utterances praising the internal nectar). Considering one round takes at least one minute, the retention of breath would be a minimum of three minutes each! Expiration of breath is defined to be ‘raising the pråña from (akåΩa) the region of the heart, then making the body empty of air and uniting the self in the state of void. Inhaling is like drawing in water into the mouth as through a lotus stalk. Retention of breath (kumbhaka) is remaining completely still and motionless. When that is mastered one may learn to see the forms of the blind and hear the sounds like the deaf. This is also Dharana when one has learned to master this stage. Taraka is an inference that complies with the Vedas and finally Samadhi is when one thinks of everybody as completely equal.
As far as the practical side of yoga, it is said to begin with asanas. Only three are here recommended, yet one may choose anyone of ones liking as long as one can sit comfortably and engage with pranayama. The recommended pranayama practice is traditional nå∂îΩodhana and contemplating the sound of OM while in retention to rid oneself of impurities. Inner places of concentration are introduced for improved focus and absorption, beginning with the navel and concluding with the crown of the head. Daily practice is considered essential for proper progress!
The obstacles to yoga are fear, anger, laziness, excessive sleep, excessive walking, too much food, or excessive fasting. Moderation is key and that will awaken wisdom and give success in the practice.
Further guidance is given on how to perceive the subtle elements from within together with the specific location and color of the five main pråñas.
The final conclusion of the Upanishad is that a man succeeding in this practice will never be reborn, wherever he may die, if he can cause his life-force (pråña) to exit through the fontanel at the time of death. This is where the immortal seed is stored and for one who has mastered it he has also entered into immortality and freed himself from the world of samsåra.
[1] Twelve syllables in the quarter 48 for the whole verse.
[2] Word used is ˆΩvarån guñån, meaning Godly qualities.