Chapter 8 Verse 12
Akṣhar Brahma Yog
सर्वद्वाराणि संयम्य मनो हृदि निरुध्य च। मूर्ध्न्याधायात्मनः प्राणमास्थितो योगधारणाम्।।8.12।।
sarva-dvārāṇi sanyamya mano hṛidi nirudhya cha mūrdhnyādhāyātmanaḥ prāṇam āsthito yoga-dhāraṇām
Word Meanings
| sarva-dvārāṇi | all gates |
| sanyamya | restraining |
| manaḥ | the mind |
| hṛidi | in the heart region |
| nirudhya | confining |
| cha | and |
| mūrdhni | in the head |
| ādhāya | establish |
| ātmanaḥ | of the self |
| prāṇam | the life breath |
| āsthitaḥ | situated (in) |
| yoga-dhāraṇām | the yogic concentration |
Translation
Having closed all the gates, confined the mind in the heart, and fixed the life-breath in the head, engage in the practice of concentration.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches how to turn inward by withdrawing from the outer world. "Closing all gates" means quieting the senses so they stop pulling the mind outward. When the mind rests in the heart, it stops chasing distractions.
Fixing the life-breath in the head points to steadying the breath and lifting attention to a calm, clear center. Together, these steps make a stable inner state where concentration and contact with the true Self become possible.
This is not harsh suppression but gentle, intentional focus. Regular practice of withdrawing the senses and steadying breath brings peace, clearer choices, and a deeper sense of presence in both quiet moments and at life's turning points.
Life Application
- Before any important task or decision, pause: turn off distractions, close your eyes briefly, and bring attention to your heart.
- Use 3–5 slow, even breaths to calm the mind; imagine the breath settling your attention upward to a calm point between the eyebrows or in the heart.
- Practice this short routine daily—at the start of work, before a conversation, or when stress rises—to steady attention and act from clarity.
Reflection Question
When you feel pulled in many directions, will you take a short pause to breathe and center inside before responding?