Chapter 6 Verse 24-25
Dhyān Yog
सङ्कल्पप्रभवान्कामांस्त्यक्त्वा सर्वानशेषतः। मनसैवेन्द्रियग्रामं विनियम्य समन्ततः।।6.24।। शनैः शनैरुपरमेद् बुद्ध्या धृतिगृहीतया। आत्मसंस्थं मनः कृत्वा न किञ्चिदपि चिन्तयेत्।।6.25।।
saṅkalpa-prabhavān kāmāns tyaktvā sarvān aśheṣhataḥ manasaivendriya-grāmaṁ viniyamya samantataḥ śhanaiḥ śhanair uparamed buddhyā dhṛiti-gṛihītayā ātma-sansthaṁ manaḥ kṛitvā na kiñchid api chintayet
Word Meanings
| saṅkalpa | a resolve |
| prabhavān | born of |
| kāmān | desires |
| tyaktvā | having abandoned |
| sarvān | all |
| aśheṣhataḥ | completely |
| manasā | through the mind |
| eva | certainly |
| indriya-grāmam | the group of senses |
| viniyamya | restraining |
| samantataḥ | from all sides |
| śhanaiḥ | gradually |
| śhanaiḥ | gradually |
| uparamet | attain peace |
| buddhyā | by intellect |
| dhṛiti-gṛihītayā | achieved through determination of resolve that is in accordance with scriptures |
| ātma-sanstham | fixed in God |
| manaḥ | mind |
| kṛitvā | having made |
| na | not |
| kiñchit | anything |
| api | even |
| chintayet | should think of |
Translation
Abandoning unreservedly all desires born of Sankalpa (thought and imagination) and completely restraining the whole group of senses by the mind from all sides. Little by little, let him attain steadiness of the intellect by holding it firmly; having made the mind establish itself in the Self, let him not think of anything else.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that real inner freedom starts when we give up the small, imagined desires that keep pulling our attention outward. Use the mind to gently control the senses so they stop chasing every impulse.
Steadiness of mind comes slowly, by steady practice, clear intent, and patient determination. As the intellect calms and fixes itself in the deeper Self, distractions lose their power and the mind rests in peace.
Spiritually, it is not harsh suppression but consistent training: replace scattered wanting with a steady focus on what truly matters. Over time small disciplined acts lead to a stable, peaceful inner life.
Life Application
- Notice one recurring desire (like scrolling, snacking, or buying) and delay it by 10 minutes; repeat until the urge weakens.
- Start with 5 minutes daily of single-pointed attention (breath or a simple mantra); increase slowly and keep a steady routine.
- Reduce sensory clutter: turn off notifications, eat mindfully, and do one task at a time to train the mind’s focus.
Reflection Question
What one desire can you set aside today to help your mind become steadier?