Samādhi Pāda · Sutra 13

तत्र स्थितौ यत्नोऽभ्यासः

tatra sthitau yatno 'bhyāsaḥ

Practice is the effort to become established in that state.

Abhyāsa is defined as the sustained effort to maintain a stable and quiet mind. It is not just any repeated activity, but specifically work directed toward nirodha (the cessation of fluctuations).

Practice implies:

  • Clear intention
  • Constant effort
  • Direction toward mental stillness