Chapter 12 · Bhakti Yoga — The Yoga of DevotionKrishna
Verse 9
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 12, श्लोक 9
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम्।
अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय॥
Transliteration
Atha Chittam Samadhatum Na Shaknoshi Mayi Sthiram.
Abhyasa-Yogena Tato Mam-Ichchha-Aptum Dhananjaya.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
अथathaif/however
चित्तम्chittamthe mind
समाधातुम्samadhatumto fix steadily
न शक्नोषिna shaknoshiyou are not able
स्थिरम्sthiramsteadily
अभ्यासयोगेनabhyasa-yogenaby the yoga of practice
ततःtatahthen
इच्छichchhadesire
आप्तुम्aptumto attain
धनञ्जयdhananjayaO Dhananjaya
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
यदि तुम अपने चित्त को मुझमें स्थिर रूप से लगाने में समर्थ नहीं हो, तो हे धनञ्जय! अभ्यासयोग के द्वारा मुझे प्राप्त करने की इच्छा करो।
English Translation
If you are unable to fix your mind steadily on Me, then seek to reach Me by the yoga of constant practice, O Dhananjaya.
Commentary (टीका)
Krishna compassionately provides an alternative for those who cannot immediately fix their minds on God. The yoga of practice (abhyasa yoga) — repeated, persistent effort — gradually trains the mind toward divine focus. This recognizes that spiritual progress is often gradual, not instantaneous.