Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga - The Yoga of MeditationKrishna
Verse 11
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 6, श्लोक 11
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
शुचौ देशे प्रतिष्ठाप्य स्थिरमासनमात्मनः।
नात्युच्छ्रितं नातिनीचं चैलाजिनकुशोत्तरम्॥
Transliteration
Shuchau Deshe Pratishthapya Sthiram-Asanam-Atmanah.
Na-Aty-Uchchhritam Na-Ati-Nicham Chaila-Ajina-Kusho-Uttaram.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
शुचौshuchauin a clean/pure
देशेdesheplace
प्रतिष्ठाप्यpratishthapyaestablishing
स्थिरम्sthiramfirm/stable
आसनम्asanamseat
आत्मनःatmanahone's own
नnanot
अत्युच्छ्रितम्aty-uchchhritamtoo high
नnanot
अतिनीचम्ati-nichamtoo low
चैलाजिनकुशोत्तरम्chaila-ajina-kusha-uttaramcloth, deerskin, and kusha grass layered
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
शुद्ध (पवित्र) स्थान पर अपना स्थिर आसन जमाकर — जो न बहुत ऊँचा हो न बहुत नीचा, जिस पर कुशा, मृगचर्म और वस्त्र बिछा हो —
English Translation
In a clean place, having established a firm seat for oneself — neither too high nor too low — covered with kusha grass, a deerskin, and a cloth —
Commentary (टीका)
Krishna gives specific instructions for the meditation seat. The place should be pure and clean. The seat should be stable, neither too elevated (which causes instability) nor too low (which allows insects and dampness). The traditional layering of kusha grass, deerskin, and cloth creates an insulated, comfortable seat. These practical details show Krishna's concern for making meditation accessible.