Slokam 2

Transcending these physical forces of need and pleasure requires control over them. The control could be in the form of denial or resistance to quench the thirst for long periods.  One of the controls that Sri Bhattadri mentions in the slokam is Celibacy, which is to resist the temptation to succumb to the experience of sexual pleasure.  Thirst and Sexual contact are both physical needs.  Resisting them may have physical consequences. Not drinking water would have a huge physical impact.  So control, while it starts as a denial, should be elevated to the level where the need is nipped at the source and does not arise at all. The attainment of a state of transcending physical needs is the yogic objective.

True yogis would have no physical needs. So their entire attention and focus can be directed towards surrender to the Paramathma, by holding His image in the mind, thinking of His accomplishments and constantly saying the slokams from His scriptures (which are in praise of His qualities).

Sri Bhattadri tells the Paramathma that we as human beings try to induce control within ourselves by practicing celibacy, everyday conduct like bathing, etc., to inculcate discipline in the mind and then, once these are done, to assume a comfortable posture to direct the focus and attention of the mind on the Supreme.

May we endevour and be blessed to go down the same path as Sri Bhatadri.