Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

Dhyana Yogah - There, focusing the mind and controlling the senses and activities, sitting on the seat, one should practice yoga for self-purification.

तत्रैकाग्रं मन: कृत्वा यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रिय: |
उपविश्यासने युञ्ज्याद्योगमात्मविशुद्धये ||12||

There, focusing the mind and controlling the senses and activities, sitting on the seat, one should practice yoga for self-purification.

Viśuddhaye: For purification.
Ekāgraṁ: Focused or one-pointed.

The yogi is urged to purify the mind by steadying thoughts. This verse reinforces the role of intention in meditation, laying the groundwork for the internal discipline required for self-purification.

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समं कायशिरोग्रीवं धारयन्नचलं स्थिर: |
सम्प्रेक्ष्य नासिकाग्रं स्वं दिशश्चानवलोकयन् ||13||

Holding the body, head, and neck straight and steady, looking only at the tip of the nose, without gazing in other directions.

Nāsikāgraṁ: Tip of the nose.
Samprekṣya: Looking attentively.

Physical posture and focus are emphasized, symbolizing the integration of the body, mind, and spirit. This shloka highlights the harmony needed in outward actions to achieve inner stillness.

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प्रशान्तात्मा विगतभीर्ब्रह्मचारिव्रते स्थित: |
मन: संयम्य मच्चित्तो युक्त आसीत मत्पर: ||14||

With a serene mind, fearless, and celibate, controlling the mind, meditating on Me with devotion, one should sit focused.

Brahmacārī: One who follows celibacy or the spiritual path.
Praśānta: Calm or serene.

Fearlessness and devotion are added to the meditative process. Krishna presents these qualities as essential for transcending ego and achieving divine connection through sincere effort.

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Dhyana Yogah - Thus always disciplining the self, the yogi, with mind controlled, attains peace, the supreme bliss of Nirvana that is established in Me.

युञ्जन्नेवं सदात्मानं योगी नियतमानस: |
शान्तिं निर्वाणपरमां मत्संस्थामधिगच्छति ||15||

Thus always disciplining the self, the yogi, with mind controlled, attains peace, the supreme bliss of Nirvana that is established in Me.

Nirvāṇa: Liberation or freedom.
Paramām: Supreme or ultimate.

This verse brings a glimpse of the ultimate goal of yoga—nirvana. The emphasis shifts to attaining a state of eternal peace, revealing the spiritual reward for sustained discipline.

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नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नत: |
न चाति स्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन ||16||

Yoga is not for one who overeats, or for one who eats too little, nor for one who sleeps excessively, or for one who stays awake too long.

Ati: Excessively or too much.
Svapnaśīla: Inclined to excessive sleep.

Krishna advocates moderation in all aspects of life, warning against extremes. This practical advice broadens the appeal of yoga, making it accessible to those who seek a balanced lifestyle.

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Dhyana Yogah - Yoga becomes the destroyer of suffering for one who is moderate in eating and recreation, effort in actions, and in sleep and wakefulness.

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु |
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दु:खहा ||17||

Yoga becomes the destroyer of suffering for one who is moderate in eating and recreation, effort in actions, and in sleep and wakefulness.

Yukta: Balanced or disciplined.
Āhāra: Food or intake.
Avabodha: Awareness or knowledge.

Continuing the theme of moderation, this shloka links balance to the alleviation of suffering. It portrays yoga as not just a spiritual practice but also a holistic way to harmonize body and mind.

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यदा विनियतं चित्तमात्मन्येवावतिष्ठते |
नि:स्पृह: सर्वकामेभ्यो युक्त इत्युच्यते तदा ||18||

When the controlled mind rests in the self alone, free from all desires, then one is said to be steadfast in yoga.

Niṣprīhaḥ: Free from desire.
Yukta: Steady or engaged.

This verse explains the state of yoga as one where the mind is steady and desires are absent. It shifts the focus from external actions to internal absorption, showcasing the essence of self-realization.

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