Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता |
योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मन: ||19||

As a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, this simile is used for the yogi with a disciplined mind practicing yoga.

Dīpa: Lamp or light.
Nivāta: Windless or calm place.

The analogy of a lamp in a windless place beautifully illustrates the unwavering mind of a yogi. This imagery captures the stillness achieved through disciplined focus.

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यत्रोपरमते चित्तं निरुद्धं योगसेवया |
यत्र चैवात्मनात्मानं पश्यन्नात्मनि तुष्यति ||20||

When the mind is completely withdrawn through yoga practice, one realizes the self and is content in the self.

Cittaṁ: Mind or consciousness.
Ātmana: Of the self or soul.

Here, the self becomes the object of realization, emphasizing internal contentment. The verse bridges the gap between practice and experience, marking a turning point in the journey of yoga.

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सुखमात्यन्तिकं यत्तद्बुद्धिग्राह्यमतीन्द्रियम् |
वेत्ति यत्र न चैवायं स्थितश्चलति तत्त्वत: ||21||

One experiences boundless joy that can only be grasped by intelligence, and remaining in this state, does not move from the truth.

Buddhi-grāhyam: Perceived by intelligence.
Ati-indriyam: Beyond the senses.

Krishna introduces the concept of transcendental joy, accessible only through higher intelligence. This joy, being unshakable and eternal, differentiates the spiritual from the material.

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यं लब्ध्वा चापरं लाभं मन्यते नाधिकं तत: |
यस्मिन्स्थितो न दु:खेन गुरुणापि विचाल्यते ||22||

Having attained this, one thinks no greater gain exists, and being established in this, one is not shaken even by great sorrow.

Lābha: Gain or acquisition.
Duḥkhena: With sorrow or suffering.

This shloka underscores the invincibility of spiritual bliss. Once attained, it makes material sorrows and desires insignificant, highlighting the ultimate goal of inner stability.

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Dhyana Yogah - This should be known as the yoga of disconnection from suffering. It must be practiced with determination and a firm, unwavering mind.

तं विद्याद् दु:खसंयोगवियोगं योगसञ्ज्ञितम् |
स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा ||23||

This should be known as the yoga of disconnection from suffering. It must be practiced with determination and a firm, unwavering mind.

Saṁyoga: Connection or union.
Vi-yoga: Disconnection or separation.

Krishna encourages determination in the practice of yoga, addressing the natural challenges one faces. This verse serves as a motivational reminder to persevere despite difficulties.

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सङ्कल्पप्रभवान्कामांस्त्यक्त्वा सर्वानशेषत: |
मनसैवेन्द्रियग्रामं विनियम्य समन्तत: ||24||

Completely abandoning all desires born of mental imagination, and restraining the senses, one should focus the mind.

Saṅkalpa: Desires or mental creations.
Manasa: With the mind.

The verse speaks about mental discipline, urging the practitioner to withdraw from desires and control the senses. This step is presented as vital for deep concentration.

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शनै: शनैरुपरमेद्बुद्ध्या धृतिगृहीतया |
आत्मसंस्थं मन: कृत्वा न किञ्चिदपि चिन्तयेत् ||25||

Gradually, step by step, one should withdraw the mind, steadying it with the intellect, and focusing only on the self.

Śanaiḥ: Gradually or slowly.
Buddhyā: With intellect or wisdom.

Gradual progress is emphasized here, advocating for patience and persistence. This shloka highlights the importance of steady effort over quick results in spiritual growth.

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