Chapter 6 Verse 8
Dhyān Yog
ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा कूटस्थो विजितेन्द्रियः। युक्त इत्युच्यते योगी समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चनः।।6.8।।
jñāna-vijñāna-tṛiptātmā kūṭa-stho vijitendriyaḥ yukta ityuchyate yogī sama-loṣhṭāśhma-kāñchanaḥ
Word Meanings
| jñāna | knowledge |
| vijñāna | realized knowledge, wisdom from within |
| tṛipta ātmā | one fully satisfied |
| kūṭa-sthaḥ | undisturbed |
| vijita-indriyaḥ | one who has conquered the senses |
| yuktaḥ | one who is in constant communion with the Supreme |
| iti | thus |
| uchyate | is said |
| yogī | a yogi |
| sama | looks equally |
| loṣhṭra | pebbles |
| aśhma | stone |
| kāñchanaḥ | gold |
Translation
The Yogi who is satisfied with the knowledge and wisdom of the Self, who has conquered the senses, and to whom a clod of earth, a piece of stone, and gold are all the same, is said to have attained Nirvikalpa Samadhi.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a person who is fully satisfied by inner knowledge and wisdom. They are not shaken by the senses and remain steady in the face of desire or temptation.
When a seeker treats a clod of earth, a stone, and gold with the same calm, it shows they no longer measure life by external value. Their peace comes from within, not from praise, wealth, or sense-pleasure.
Such steady inner awareness points to the highest calm or deep meditative absorption (Nirvikalpa Samadhi) where the mind rests beyond labels and comparisons.
Life Application
- Practice a short pause before reacting to praise, criticism, or strong desires to see if your peace depends on them.
- Limit one small sensory habit this week (like scrolling or snacking) to notice how much control your senses have.
- Spend 5–10 minutes daily in quiet reflection or simple meditation to strengthen inner satisfaction.
Reflection Question
Do I seek lasting happiness from things outside me or from the quiet inside?