Sa Tu Dirgha-Kala-Nairantarya (Yoga Sutra 1.14)
स तु दीर्घकालनैरन्तर्यसत्कारासेवितो दृढभूमिः
Also known as: sa tu dirgha kala nairantarya satkara asevito dridha bhumih · yoga sutra 1.14 · patanjali yoga sutra 1.14
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✦ Meaning
This sutra from Patanjali's Yoga Sutras gives the three conditions that make spiritual practice (abhyasa) firm and unshakable: long duration, uninterrupted continuity, and earnest devotion. It teaches that the steadying of the mind is not achieved quickly or carelessly, but through patient, consistent, reverent effort over a long time. It is one of the most practical and frequently cited verses on sadhana.
Origin & Story
Patanjali Yoga Sutras 1.14 · Patanjali · Classical (c. 2nd century BCE – 4th century CE)
This aphorism appears in the Samadhi Pada of Maharshi Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, following the introduction of abhyasa (practice) and vairagya (dispassion) as the means to still the mind. Here Patanjali specifies what makes practice take firm root — long, continuous and devoted application. It remains one of the most beloved and practical teachings for every seeker on the discipline of sadhana.
✦ As told in scripture
Teachers across the yoga tradition point to this sutra to explain why steady, humble practice succeeds where bursts of enthusiasm fail: the mind yields its restlessness only to one who returns to practice day after day, with patience and reverence, until stillness becomes second nature.
The Mantra
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स तु दीर्घकालनैरन्तर्यसत्कारासेवितो दृढभूमिः ॥
Sa tu dirgha-kala-nairantarya-satkara-asevito dridha-bhumih
Meaning:That practice becomes firmly grounded when it is cultivated for a long time, without interruption, and with earnest devotion and reverence.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Sa Tu Dirgha-Kala-Nairantarya (Yoga Sutra 1.14)
Gives the three timeless keys to a firm spiritual practice: long time, no interruption, and sincere devotion.
Encourages perseverance and patience on the path, dispelling the wish for quick or effortless results.
A guiding principle for any discipline — yoga, meditation, study or skill — that mastery comes through steady, reverent effort.
Inspires consistency and earnestness, the qualities that make practice take root in the mind.
Helps the seeker establish an unshakable foundation (dridha-bhumi) for meditation and self-discipline.
Frequently quoted by teachers to encourage students to keep up daily, devoted practice.
How to Chant Sa Tu Dirgha-Kala-Nairantarya (Yoga Sutra 1.14)
Recite the sutra as a reminder before sitting for practice, reflecting on its three conditions: practice long, practice without breaks, and practice with reverence. Let it renew your resolve to continue patiently. It is best contemplated as an instruction for sadhana, taken to heart and lived rather than merely repeated.