Chapter-3, Sutra 31

Patanjali Yogasutra 3.31

(Kurmanadi)

कूर्मनाड्यां स्थैर्यम्।

"By concentrating on the Kūrmanāḍī (a subtle channel in the body), one attains steadiness (of the body and mind)."

In this Sutra, Patanjali discusses a specific samyama (the combined practice of concentration, meditation, and absorption) on the Kūrmanāḍī, a subtle energy channel. This channel is believed to run through the physical body, controlling balance and physical steadiness. By directing awareness to this subtle channel, a practitioner can attain complete stillness, both physically and mentally. This steadiness is crucial for higher states of meditation, where distractions from physical discomfort or movement need to be minimized to focus on deeper layers of Consciousness.

The Kurmanadi, or "tortoise channel," is mentioned in various Vedic texts, particularly in the context of subtle energies. It is described as located in the upper chest, below the throat, and is associated with the heart's nadis, which are channels for prana (vital energy) to flow. This channel is significant in yoga practices for achieving steadiness and control over the body and mind. The Kurmanadi 

plays a role in spiritual practices, particularly in connection with the concept of samyama 

(concentration) to stabilize thoughts.

The term "Kūrmanāḍī" alludes to the concept of steadiness, much like a tortoise, or kūrma, that pulls its limbs into its shell to maintain immobility. 

This imagery represents how the yogi withdraws from the external world and stabilizes internally through samyama. The steady, unmoving nature of the tortoise symbolizes deep control over bodily functions and sensory withdrawal, key elements in advanced meditation practice. This mastery over the body allows the mind to enter a state of unshakable concentration, aiding in the progress toward samadhi.

This steadiness is not merely physical but also reflects mental calm. A steady mind is one that does not waver under external circumstances, just as a steady body remains motionless. Attaining this state is essential for overcoming distractions and disturbances that impede one's spiritual progress. Once the body and mind achieve stability, the yogi is better equipped to move toward more subtle and profound states of Consciousness.

Comparison with Similar Verses from Vedic Texts

Mundaka Upanishad 2.2.1

सर्वे नदा: स्यन्दते सस्मृतिः पारं तिष्ठन्ति धर्मसाधनम्।

अपुनर्भवाय विद्वत्सु कर्मकालेन संन्यासिनः॥

"All the channels (nadi) flow within the body, and by the steady Remembrance of Truth, one crosses beyond the bounds of karma, leading to liberation and freedom from rebirth."

This verse from the Mundaka Upanishad similarly emphasizes the importance of controlling and understanding the flow of subtle energy channels, or nadis, within the body. Just as in Patanjali’s Kūrmanāḍī samyama, the Upanishadic verse suggests that mastery over these channels is essential for spiritual progress and the attainment of liberation.

Yoga Vashishta 5.56.12

वातादिरन्ध्रसंचारे स्थिरं हृदि संस्थितम्।

यत्कूर्म इव सम्प्राप्तं समाधौ स्थैर्यमन्वयात्॥

"By mastering the movement of prana within the channels, one can attain the steadiness of the heart, like the stillness of a tortoise, leading to stability in meditation."

The Yoga Vashishta directly correlates with the Kūrmanāḍī concept, using the metaphor of the tortoise to describe the level of steadiness and withdrawal one must attain during meditation. 

This text emphasizes controlling the inner winds (vata) and the movement of prana to achieve a state of deep inner stillness, which aligns closely with Patanjali’s teaching.

Katha Upanishad 6.10

उत्थाय ध्यानयोगोऽनुपश्यति सारम्।

यथा मीनाः कूर्मश्चार्जवम् उपैति स्थैर्यमेव च॥

"By rising and practicing meditation, one attains steadiness, just like a tortoise and fish that move steadily and with purpose."

This verse from the Katha Upanishad draws another connection to steadiness in meditation, paralleling the imagery of the tortoise used by Patanjali. It underlines the importance of meditation and concentration for achieving both physical and mental stability, making the practitioner resilient and composed in the face of distractions.

These verses illustrate a common thread in Vedic and yogic teachings: the focus on mastering subtle energies and maintaining steadiness in body and mind. Each reference reinforces the importance of controlling the internal flow of prana, or life force, to advance on the spiritual path.