अर्थ
In a pure and sacred environment, a Meditative Yogi should establish a stable seat, neither too elevated nor too low. Layering it with kusha grass, deerskin, and a cloth, one atop the other, he should take his place upon this seat. Here, by restraining the restlessness of the mind and senses and channeling their focus, he should engage in the practice of Yoga for inner purification (6:11, 12).
टीका
The term “Ajinam” is explained in Apte’s dictionary as “The furry skin of a tiger, lion, elephant, and so on, which was utilized for crafting seats or clothing.” The intention here is not to promote the killing of animals for their skins. During that era, forests teemed with wildlife, and when these animals passed away naturally, their skins were repurposed for clothing or crafting meditation rugs. In contemporary times, we have the alternative of using woolen blankets instead.
संस्कृत श्लोक
शुचौ देशे प्रतिष्ठाप्य स्थिरमासनमात्मनः ।
नात्युच्छ्रितं नातिनीचं चैलाजिनकुशोत्तरम् ॥ ६:११ ॥
पदच्छेद
शुचौ देशे प्रतिष्ठाप्य स्थिरम् आसनम् आत्मनः—
न अति उच्छ्रितम्, न अति नीचम्, चैल-अजिन-कुशा उत्तरम्।