Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

Dhyana Yogah - Establishing a firm seat in a clean place, neither too high nor too low, covered with kusha grass, a deer skin, and cloth, one should practice yoga.

शुचौ देशे प्रतिष्ठाप्य स्थिरमासनमात्मन: |
नात्युच्छ्रितं नातिनीचं चैलाजिनकुशोत्तरम् ||11||

Establishing a firm seat in a clean place, neither too high nor too low, covered with kusha grass, a deer skin, and cloth, one should practice yoga.

Śucau: Clean or pure.
Kuśa: Sacred grass used in rituals.
Āsana: Seat or posture.

The physical aspect of yoga begins here, emphasizing the importance of an environment conducive to meditation. Krishna underscores the practical setup required for focused spiritual practice.

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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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