Bhagavad Gita · Verse 8.12
Chapter 8: Akshara Brahma Yoga (अक्षर ब्रह्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
सर्वद्वाराणि संयम्य मनो हृदि निरुध्य च । मूर्ध्न्याधायात्मनः प्राणमास्थितो योगधारणाम् ॥१२॥
sarvadvārāṇi saṃyamya mano hṛdi nirudhya ca | mūrdhnyādhāyātmanaḥ prāṇamāsthito yogadhāraṇām ||12||
Complete Shloka Translation
Restraining all the sense-gates, holding the mind in the heart, placing one's life-force in the head and established in yogic concentration—
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| सर्वद्वाराणि | sarvadvārāṇi | all the sense-gates |
| धारणाम् | dhāraṇām | concentration |
| संयम्य | saṃyamya | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
| मनो | mano | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
| हृदि | hṛdi | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
| निरुध्य | nirudhya | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
| मूर्ध्न्याधायात्मनः | ca | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
| प्राणमास्थितो | mūrdhnyādhāyātmanaḥ | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
| योगधारणाम् | prāṇamāsthito | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
| १२ | yogadhāraṇām | [term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate... |
all the sense-gates
concentration
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
[term] in context of Restraining all the sense-gate...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The preparation described here continues into 8.13. The gates refer to the senses, while heart, head and prana belong to the traditional account of yogic concentration rather than a complete practical instruction.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Gathering scattered attention can support a clearer inner orientation."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What helps you gather scattered attention?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.