Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.12
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
तत्रैकाग्रं मनः कृत्वा यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रियः । उपविश्यासने युञ्ज्याद्योगमात्मविशुद्धये ॥१२॥
tatraikāgraṃ manaḥ kṛtvā yatacittendriyakriyaḥ | upaviśyāsane yuñjyādyogamātmaviśuddhaye ||12||
Complete Shloka Translation
Sitting on that seat, making the mind one-pointed and restraining the activities of mind and senses, one should practice yoga for inward purification.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| एकाग्रम् | ekāgram | one-pointed |
| आत्मविशुद्धये | ātmaviśuddhaye | for inward purification |
| तत्रैकाग्रं | tatraikāgraṃ | [term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t... |
| मनः | manaḥ | [term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t... |
| कृत्वा | kṛtvā | [term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t... |
| यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रियः | yatacittendriyakriyaḥ | [term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t... |
| उपविश्यासने | upaviśyāsane | [term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t... |
| युञ्ज्याद्योगमात्मविशुद्धये | yuñjyādyogamātmaviśuddhaye | [term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t... |
| १२ | yuñjyādyogamātmaviśuddhaye | [term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t... |
one-pointed
for inward purification
[term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t...
[term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t...
[term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t...
[term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t...
[term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t...
[term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t...
[term] in context of Sitting on that seat, making t...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The seat prepares for inward concentration rather than being the goal itself. Purification concerns the inner faculties, not alteration of the self's essential nature.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Attention becomes more purposeful when we understand what it serves."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What purpose would make your attention more deliberate?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master mental clarity and resilience: when your mind wanders into anxiety or distraction, gently bring it back without judgment, maintaining balance in food, sleep, work, and mindful reflection.