Chapter 6 Verse 12-13
Dhyān Yog
तत्रैकाग्रं मनः कृत्वा यतचित्तेन्द्रियक्रियः। उपविश्यासने युञ्ज्याद्योगमात्मविशुद्धये।।6.12।। समं कायशिरोग्रीवं धारयन्नचलं स्थिरः। संप्रेक्ष्य नासिकाग्रं स्वं दिशश्चानवलोकयन्।।6.13।।
tatraikāgraṁ manaḥ kṛitvā yata-chittendriya-kriyaḥ upaviśhyāsane yuñjyād yogam ātma-viśhuddhaye samaṁ kāya-śhiro-grīvaṁ dhārayann achalaṁ sthiraḥ samprekṣhya nāsikāgraṁ svaṁ diśhaśh chānavalokayan
Word Meanings
| tatra | there |
| eka-agram | one-pointed |
| manaḥ | mind |
| kṛitvā | having made |
| yata-chitta | controlling the mind |
| indriya | senses |
| kriyaḥ | activities |
| upaviśhya | being seated |
| āsane | on the seat |
| yuñjyāt yogam | should strive to practice yog |
| ātma viśhuddhaye | for purification of the mind |
| samam | straight |
| kāya | body |
| śhiraḥ | head |
| grīvam | neck |
| dhārayan | holding |
| achalam | unmoving |
| sthiraḥ | still |
| samprekṣhya | gazing |
| nāsika-agram | at the tip of the nose |
| svam | own |
| diśhaḥ | directions |
| cha | and |
| anavalokayan | not looking |
Translation
There, having made the mind one-pointed, with the actions of the mind and senses controlled, let him, seated on the seat, practice Yoga for the purification of the self. Let him firmly hold his body, head, and neck erect and still, gazing at the tip of his nose without looking around.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that meditation needs a focused mind and controlled senses. Sitting calmly and directing all attention inward helps cleanse the mind of restlessness and distraction.
A steady, upright posture for the body, head, and neck supports mental stability. When the body is balanced and still, the mind finds it easier to settle.
Gently fixing the gaze (traditionally at the tip of the nose) or keeping a soft inward focus prevents the eye from chasing distractions. Regular, patient practice like this leads to clearer thinking and a quieter heart.
Life Application
- Sit quietly each day for a few minutes with a straight spine, relaxed shoulders, and steady breath. Start small and increase time slowly.
- Use a single point of focus—soft gaze, breath, or a fixed spot—to bring the mind back whenever it wanders.
- Reduce outer distractions before you begin: turn off your phone, dim lights, and choose a calm spot so your senses don’t pull you away.
Reflection Question
When today can you set aside a few minutes to sit still and focus your attention inward?