Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga - The Yoga of MeditationKrishna
Verse 25
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 6, श्लोक 25
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
शनैः शनैरुपरमेद्बुद्ध्या धृतिगृहीतया।
आत्मसंस्थं मनः कृत्वा न किञ्चिदपि चिन्तयेत्॥
Transliteration
Shanaih Shanair-Uparamed-Buddhya Dhriti-Grihitaya.
Atma-Samstham Manah Kritva Na Kinchid-Api Chintayet.
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
शनैः शनैःshanaih shanaihgradually, step by step
उपरमेत्uparametshould withdraw/become still
बुद्ध्याbuddhyaby the intellect
धृतिगृहीतयाdhriti-grihitayaheld by firmness/conviction
आत्मसंस्थम्atma-samsthamestablished in the Self
मनःmanahmind
कृत्वाkritvamaking
नnanot
किञ्चित्kinchitanything
अपिapieven
चिन्तयेत्chintayetshould think
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
धीरे-धीरे, धृति (धैर्य) से युक्त बुद्धि द्वारा उपराम (शान्त) हो। मन को आत्मा में स्थापित करके किसी भी वस्तु का चिन्तन न करे।
English Translation
Gradually, step by step, one should become still with the intellect held firm by conviction. Establishing the mind in the Self, one should not think of anything at all.
Commentary (टीका)
This practical instruction for meditation emphasizes gradualness (shanaih shanaih). The mind cannot be forced into stillness — it must be gently led with the support of a firm, patient intellect. The ultimate state is one where the mind rests in the Self and all thought-waves cease. This instruction 'na kinchid api chintayet' (think of nothing at all) describes the highest state of meditation where even the subtlest thoughts dissolve.