Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga
The Yoga of Meditation - Krishna teaches the practice of meditation: sitting alone, controlling the mind, and fixing it on the Self. This is the direct path to realizing the Lord within.
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Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga - The Yoga of Meditation
Krishna now teaches the practice of meditation. The true yogi is one who has renounced attachment to sense objects, who sits alone in a clean place, and who focuses the mind completely on the Self.
The Seated Posture
Krishna gives detailed instructions for meditation posture and practice:
- Sit in a clean place on a firm seat
- Hold the body, head, and neck straight
- Focus the mind on the Self
- Withdraw the senses from external objects
- Practice moderation in eating, sleeping, and activity
The Restless Mind
Arjuna asks the practical question: “The mind is restless, turbulent, strong, and obstinate. Controlling it seems as difficult as controlling the wind.”
Krishna agrees that the mind is difficult to control, but says it can be controlled through practice (abhyasa) and dispassion (vairagya). Without these two, the mind cannot be tamed.
The Supreme Yogi
Krishna describes the supreme yogi: one who sees the Self in all beings and all beings in the Self. Such a person sees the same Lord everywhere. This vision is the highest achievement.
“The yogi who, established in unity, worships me abiding in all beings - that person lives in me, whatever their mode of life.”
The Chapter’s Conclusion
Arjuna asks: “What happens to one who fails on the path?” Krishna assures him that no effort on the spiritual path is wasted. Such a person is reborn in favorable circumstances and continues where they left off.
The chapter concludes: “Of all yogis, the one who worships me with faith, whose mind rests in me - that person is considered the most united with me.”
Key Verses
Verse 5: One should raise the Self by the Self. One should never degrade the Self. The Self is the friend of the self, and the Self is the enemy of the self.
Verse 30: One who sees me everywhere and sees everything in me - I am never lost to that person, nor is that person ever lost to me.
Verse 47: Of all yogis, the one who worships me with faith, whose mind rests in me - that person is considered the most united with me.