Chapter 4 Verse 29-30
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
अपाने जुह्वति प्राण प्राणेऽपानं तथाऽपरे। प्राणापानगती रुद्ध्वा प्राणायामपरायणाः।।4.29।। अपरे नियताहाराः प्राणान्प्राणेषु जुह्वति। सर्वेऽप्येते यज्ञविदो यज्ञक्षपितकल्मषाः।।4.30।।
apāne juhvati prāṇaṁ prāṇe ’pānaṁ tathāpare prāṇāpāna-gatī ruddhvā prāṇāyāma-parāyaṇāḥ apare niyatāhārāḥ prāṇān prāṇeṣhu juhvati sarve ’pyete yajña-vido yajña-kṣhapita-kalmaṣhāḥ apare niyatāhārāḥ prāṇān prāṇeṣu juhvati sarve py 'ete yajña-vido yajña-kṣapita-kalmaṣāḥ
Word Meanings
| apāne | the incoming breath |
| juhvati | offer |
| prāṇam | the outgoing breath |
| prāṇe | in the outgoing breath |
| apānam | incoming breath |
| tathā | also |
| apare | others |
| prāṇa | of the outgoing breath |
| apāna | and the incoming breath |
| gatī | movement |
| ruddhvā | blocking |
| prāṇa-āyāma | control of breath |
| parāyaṇāḥ | wholly devoted apare |
| niyata | having controlled |
| āhārāḥ | food intake |
| prāṇān | life-breaths |
| prāṇeṣhu | life-energy |
| juhvati | sacrifice |
| sarve | all |
| api | also |
| ete | these |
| yajña-vidaḥ | knowers of sacrifices |
| yajña-kṣhapita | being cleansed by performances of sacrifices |
| kalmaṣhāḥ | of impurities apare |
| niyata | controlled |
| āhārāḥ | eating |
| prāṇān | outgoing air |
| prāṇeṣu | in the outgoing air |
| sarve | all |
| api | although apparently different |
| ete | all these |
| yajñavidaḥ | conversant with the purpose of performing |
| yajña | sacrifices |
| kṣapita | being cleansed of the result of such performances |
| kalmaṣāḥ | sinful reactions |
| juhvati | sacrifices. |
Translation
Others offer as sacrifice the outgoing breath into the incoming, and the incoming into the outgoing, restraining the flow of the outgoing and the incoming breaths, solely absorbed in the restraint of the breath. Others who regulate their diet offer life-breaths in each life-breath. All these are knowers of sacrifice, whose sins are destroyed through sacrifice.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
These verses show that simple self-discipline can be a form of spiritual offering. Controlling the breath — sometimes pausing the out-breath, sometimes the in-breath — is presented as a practice that turns life-force into a conscious sacrifice. This is not about showy ritual but about inner control and focus.
Similarly, controlling what and when you eat is also a kind of offering. When you eat in a steady, moderate way and bring attention to each breath and bite, the ordinary acts of living become purifying. The teaching says such steady, mindful practices cleanse the mind and diminish harmful habits.
Overall, sacrifice here means transforming everyday acts (breathing, eating, working) into a disciplined, mindful practice. That discipline cleanses the heart and makes life itself a path to spiritual growth.
Life Application
- Begin the day with a short breath practice: three to five calm, attentive cycles where you watch and gently lengthen the in- and out-breath. Treat this as an offering of your attention.
- Eat regular, moderate meals without distraction. Before eating, take a breath and set a simple intention (gratitude, health, or service).
- Turn a small daily task (washing dishes, walking, replying to messages) into an offering by doing it with full attention and a quiet, helpful mindset.
Reflection Question
What one ordinary habit can I do more mindfully today and offer as a small act of inner discipline?