Bhagavad Gita · Verse 4.29
Chapter 4: Jnana Karma Sannyasa Yoga (ज्ञानकर्मसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अपाने जुह्वति प्राणं प्राणेऽपानं तथापरे । प्राणापानगती रुद्ध्वा प्राणायामपरायणाः ॥२९॥
apāne juhvati prāṇaṃ prāṇe'pānaṃ tathāpare | prāṇāpānagatī ruddhvā prāṇāyāmaparāyaṇāḥ ||29||
Complete Shloka Translation
Others devoted to pranayama offer prana into apana and apana into prana, restraining the courses of both.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| प्राण | prāṇa | vital breath or current |
| अपान | apāna | complementary vital current |
| अपाने | apāne | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| जुह्वति | juhvati | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| प्राणं | prāṇaṃ | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| प्राणेऽपानं | prāṇe'pānaṃ | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| तथापरे | tathāpare | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| प्राणापानगती | prāṇāpānagatī | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| रुद्ध्वा | ruddhvā | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| प्राणायामपरायणाः | prāṇāyāmaparāyaṇāḥ | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
| २९ | prāṇāyāmaparāyaṇāḥ | [term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of... |
vital breath or current
complementary vital current
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
[term] in context of Others devoted to pranayama of...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Prana and apana name vital currents associated with breath in this yogic context. This is a description of a traditional sacrifice, not a step-by-step breathing exercise.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Attention to the rhythms of life can support a more collected mind."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What would help you study this traditional practice with care?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to kindle the fire of higher purpose in your work: burn away the anxiety of personal ego and petty doubts with the purifying flame of deep understanding, dedication, and service.