Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.25
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
शनैः शनैरुपरमेद्बुद्ध्या धृतिगृहीतया । आत्मसंस्थं मनः कृत्वा न किञ्चिदपि चिन्तयेत् ॥२५॥
śanaiḥ śanairuparamedbuddhyā dhṛtigṛhītayā | ātmasaṃsthaṃ manaḥ kṛtvā na kiñcidapi cintayet ||25||
Complete Shloka Translation
One should become quiet little by little, with understanding held firm by resolve. Placing the mind in the self, one should think of nothing else.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| शनैः शनैः | śanaiḥ śanaiḥ | little by little |
| धृति | dhṛti | firm resolve or patience |
| शनैः | śanaiḥ | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| शनैरुपरमेद्बुद्ध्या | śanairuparamedbuddhyā | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| धृतिगृहीतया | dhṛtigṛhītayā | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| आत्मसंस्थं | ātmasaṃsthaṃ | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| मनः | manaḥ | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| कृत्वा | kṛtvā | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| किञ्चिदपि | na | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| चिन्तयेत् | kiñcidapi | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
| २५ | cintayet | [term] in context of One should become quiet little... |
little by little
firm resolve or patience
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
[term] in context of One should become quiet little...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The repeated little by little emphasizes gradual settling. This instruction belongs to contemplation, not a prohibition on thought in everyday responsibilities.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Gradual, patient returning can be more sustainable than forceful striving."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where could a gradual approach replace forceful striving?
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.