Bhagavān Kṛṣṇa now comes one step lower in the ladder. In the previous stage, the instruction was Viśvarūpa upāsanā — seeing the entire universe as Bhagavān and fixing the mind and intellect on Him. But this requires an expanded mind. If the mind is narrow because of strong rāga-dveṣa, it cannot easily appreciate the ocean, sky, stars, trees, mountains, and the whole universe as Bhagavān.

When strong attachments and aversions dominate, the mind keeps circling around only a few objects — what it likes and what it dislikes. Such a mind cannot easily expand into Viśvarūpa contemplation. Therefore, Bhagavān gives a more accessible step: abhyāsa-yoga.

Here abhyāsa-yoga means iṣṭa-devatā upāsanā — meditation upon a chosen form of Bhagavān. Instead of trying to embrace the entire universe as Bhagavān, we begin with one form that the mind can love, visualize, and return to repeatedly. That form may be a personal deity such as Kṛṣṇa, Rāma, Śiva, Devī, Gaṇeśa, or any iṣṭa-devatā. It may also be a symbol used for meditation, such as Sūrya or Śrīcakra.

This upāsanā is not merely physical pūjā. Upāsanā is primarily a mental discipline. We withdraw the senses, turn the mind inward, and visualize Bhagavān in the heart. Through repeated practice, the extrovert mind slowly becomes inward-looking and capable of steadiness.

So the teaching is compassionate and practical. If Viśvarūpa meditation is too difficult, we need not give up. We can begin with a chosen form or symbol, practice regularly, and gradually prepare the mind for a larger vision.