Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.26
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यतो यतो निश्चरति मनश्चञ्चलमस्थिरम् । ततस्ततो नियम्यैतदात्मन्येव वशं नयेत् ॥२६॥
yato yato niścarati manaścañcalamasthiram | tatastato niyamyaitadātmanyeva vaśaṃ nayet ||26||
Complete Shloka Translation
Wherever the restless, unsteady mind wanders, one should restrain it from there and bring it under the sway of the self alone.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यतः यतः | yataḥ yataḥ | wherever and into whatever direction |
| निश्चरति | niścarati | wanders off / strays |
| मनः | manaḥ | the mind |
| चञ्चलम् | cañcalam | fickle and unsteady |
| अस्थिरम् | asthiram | restless and wavering |
| ततः ततः | tataḥ tataḥ | from there and each of those thoughts |
| नियम्य | niyamya | restraining / bringing back with patience |
| एतत् | etat | this very mind |
| आत्मनि एव | ātmani eva | in the Self alone |
| वशम् | vaśam | under steady mastery |
| नयेत् | nayet | one should gently lead and fix |
wherever and into whatever direction
wanders off / strays
the mind
fickle and unsteady
restless and wavering
from there and each of those thoughts
restraining / bringing back with patience
this very mind
in the Self alone
under steady mastery
one should gently lead and fix
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The instruction anticipates wandering rather than assuming instant stillness. Returning the mind develops the gradual discipline described in 6.25.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Each return of attention can be part of practice rather than evidence of failure."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
How could you treat returning attention as part of practice?
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.