Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.18
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यदा विनियतं चित्तमात्मन्येवावतिष्ठते । निःस्पृहः सर्वकामेभ्यो युक्त इत्युच्यते तदा ॥१८॥
yadā viniyataṃ cittamātmanyevāvatiṣṭhate | niḥspṛhaḥ sarvakāmebhyo yukta ityucyate tadā ||18||
Complete Shloka Translation
When the well-disciplined mind rests in the self alone, free from craving for all desires, one is then called established in yoga.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| विनियतं चित्तम् | viniyataṃ cittam | well-disciplined mind |
| निःस्पृहः | niḥspṛhaḥ | free from craving |
| यदा | yadā | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
| विनियतं | viniyataṃ | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
| चित्तमात्मन्येवावतिष्ठते | cittamātmanyevāvatiṣṭhate | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
| सर्वकामेभ्यो | sarvakāmebhyo | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
| युक्त | yukta | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
| इत्युच्यते | ityucyate | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
| तदा | tadā | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
| १८ | tadā | [term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind... |
well-disciplined mind
free from craving
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
[term] in context of When the well-disciplined mind...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The verse names inward establishment rather than a visible posture. Its relation to the self prepares the following description of contemplative realization.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Steadiness includes loosening the pull of desire, not only maintaining outward stillness."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How can you distinguish inward steadiness from outward stillness?
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.