Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

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When the mind is completely withdrawn through yoga practice, one realizes the self and is content in the self.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

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

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.

Bookmark removed

यतो यतो निश्चरति मनश्चञ्चलमस्थिरम् |
ततस्ततो नियम्यैतदात्मन्येव वशं नयेत् ||26||

Wherever the restless mind wanders, restraining it, one should bring it back under control and focus it on the self.

Niścarati: Wanders or deviates.
Vaśam: Control or mastery.

Krishna acknowledges the wandering nature of the mind, offering reassurance that bringing it back to focus is part of the yogic journey. This verse normalizes struggle in meditation.

Bookmark removed