Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 10

English Translation

A yogi should constantly concentrate his mind by staying in a solitary place, alone, with mind and body controlled, free from expectations, (and) free from acisition.

Detailed Commentary

[Here, a detailed description is being given of the Dhyana Yoga that was briefly described in verses twenty-seven and twenty-eight of the fifth chapter.] 'Aparigraha' means that the practice of Yoga, which is the cessation of chitta-vrittis (mental modifications), is undertaken by turning away from the world and turning towards the Paramatma. Therefore, the first means described is 'Aparigraha' — meaning, do not accumulate anything for your own pleasure or comfort. The reason is that indulging in enjoyment and accumulating for pleasure will keep the mind engrossed, due to which the sadhaka's mind will not engage in Dhyana. Therefore, it is essential for a practitioner of Dhyana Yoga to practice Aparigraha. 'Nirashi' — Earlier, through the term 'Aparigraha', the renunciation of objects of enjoyment was stated; now, through the term 'Nirashi', it is instructed to renounce the desires for enjoyment and accumulation. This means that there should be no desire for any enjoyment in the mind. Ambition and desire for transient objects in the mind are obstacles in attaining Paramatma. Therefore, the sadhaka should remain vigilant. 'Yatachittatma' — Even after external renunciation of enjoyment and accumulation for oneself, and internal renunciation of desires and hopes for them, there remains a possibility of new raga (attachment) arising. Therefore, 'Yatachittatma' is stated here as the third means. Meaning, the sadhaka should keep their body and mind under control so that no new raga arises. 'Yogi' — one whose attention is solely fixed on the Paramatma and who practices Dhyana Yoga for the attainment of Paramatma, is called a 'Yogi'. 'Ekaki' — the practitioner of Dhyana Yoga should be alone, because there is a fear of conversation with a companion. 'Rahasi Sthitah' — the sadhaka should dwell in solitude, where there is no vighna (obstacle) to Dhyana. For example, a riverbank, a secluded spot in a forest, or a room in the house designated for Bhajan-Dhyana. 'Atmanam Satatam Yunjita' — in the above-mentioned manner, sitting in solitude, engage the mind continuously in Bhagavan. To continuously offer the mind to Bhagavan, it is necessary to remain vigilant at all times. Special Point — Arjuna was ready for battle even before, and in the end, he also fought. Only in between did he start considering war a sin, but upon Bhagavan's explanation, he accepted the battle. Thus, the subject of Karma Yoga is presented in the Gita. But how did the descriptions of Gyana Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, etc., come into it? This happened because upon the awakening of the desire for welfare within Arjuna, he desired to know beneficial things from Bhagavan. Therefore, Bhagavan described the means of welfare in the Gita. Among them, the description of Dhyana Yoga is also given for this very reason. Connection — In the previous verse, Bhagavan gave inspiration for Dhyana Yoga. How Dhyana Yoga should be practiced — useful points for this are mentioned in the next three verses.