Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 6.12 तत्रैकाग्रं मनः कृत्वा यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रियः
श्लोक 6.12
तत्रैकाग्रं मनः कृत्वा यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रियः ।
उपविश्यासने युञ्ज्याद्योगमात्मविशुद्धये ॥
tatraikāgraṃ manaḥ kṛtvā yatacittendriyakriyaḥ |
upaviśyāsane yuñjyādyogamātmaviśuddhaye ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
उस आसन पर बैठकर, मन को एकाग्र करके और मन व इंद्रियों की क्रियाओं को वश में रखकर, अपने अंतःकरण की शुद्धि के लिए योग का अभ्यास करे।
Meaning in English
Sitting on that seat, making the mind one-pointed and restraining the activity of thought and senses, he should practise yoga for the purification of the self.
Bhagavad Gita 6.12 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| तत्र | tatra | there |
| एकाग्रम् | eka-agram | one-pointed |
| मनः | manaḥ | the mind |
| कृत्वा | kṛtvā | making |
| यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रियः | yata-citta-indriya-kriyaḥ | with the workings of mind and senses restrained |
| उपविश्य | upaviśya | sitting |
| आसने | āsane | on the seat |
| युञ्ज्यात् | yuñjyāt | should practise |
| योगम् | yogam | yoga |
| आत्मविशुद्धये | ātma-viśuddhaye | for the purification of the self |
Explanation
Sitting there on that seat, making the mind one-pointed and restraining the workings of the mind and senses, one should practise yoga for the purification of oneself. The practice is not for show or for special powers but to make the mind clean and clear.
After the seat is prepared (6.11), Krishna turns to what happens on it. Ekāgratā, one-pointedness, is the key skill: the mind rests on a single object instead of scattering. The stated purpose is 'ātma-viśuddhi', purification of the inner instrument; Shankara glosses ātman here as the mind or antaḥkaraṇa. The Gita thus presents meditation not as an end in itself or a technique for powers, but as cleansing the mind so that it can reflect the Self clearly.
भावार्थ
उस आसन पर बैठकर, मन को एकाग्र करके और चित्त तथा इन्द्रियों की क्रियाओं को वश में रखते हुए, अन्तःकरण की शुद्धि के लिए योग का अभ्यास करे। यही ध्यान का मूल अभ्यास है।
Living it today
When you sit to meditate or pray, choose one focus, the breath or a mantra, and return to it each time the mind wanders.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 6.12?
Sitting there on that seat, making the mind one-pointed and restraining the workings of the mind and senses, one should practise yoga for the purification of oneself. The practice is not for show or for special powers but to make the mind clean and clear.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 6.12?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 6 (Dhyana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 6.12 in daily life?
When you sit to meditate or pray, choose one focus, the breath or a mantra, and return to it each time the mind wanders.
Reflected on verse 6.12?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.