Chapter 6 Verse 18
Dhyān Yog
यदा विनियतं चित्तमात्मन्येवावतिष्ठते। निःस्पृहः सर्वकामेभ्यो युक्त इत्युच्यते तदा।।6.18।।
yadā viniyataṁ chittam ātmanyevāvatiṣhṭhate niḥspṛihaḥ sarva-kāmebhyo yukta ityuchyate tadā
Word Meanings
| yadā | when |
| viniyatam | fully controlled |
| chittam | the mind |
| ātmani | of the self |
| eva | certainly |
| avatiṣhṭhate | stays |
| nispṛihaḥ | free from cravings: sarva |
| kāmebhyaḥ | for yearning of the senses |
| yuktaḥ | situated in perfect Yog |
| iti | thus |
| uchyate | is said |
| tadā | then |
Translation
When the perfectly controlled mind rests in the Self alone, free from longing for any of the objects of desire, then it is said, 'He is united'.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
When the mind is trained and calm, it rests in the true Self instead of chasing sense pleasures. This inner steadiness means the mind does not jump from one desire to another.
Being "free from longing" does not mean giving up life. It means acting without being driven by craving. In that steadiness, the person is said to be united with the Self — stable, clear, and peaceful.
This verse points to inner mastery: the goal is not to suppress feelings, but to hold attention inward and not be pulled about by every want.
Life Application
- Pause for a few deep breaths when you feel pulled by a desire or strong emotion. Let the urge calm before you act.
- Practice short daily focus sessions (5–10 minutes). Sit quietly and bring attention to one point (breath, heart, or a simple phrase).
- Notice one recurring desire this week. Observe it without judgment and delay acting on it once; see how it changes.
Reflection Question
Which desire most often distracts me from my inner calm?