Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 13

English Translation

Holding the body, head and neck erect and still, being steady, looking at the tip of his own nose-and not looking around;

Detailed Commentary

6.13. Elucidation: The phrase "'*Samam kaya shiro grivam dharayannachalam*' (maintaining the body, head, and neck erect and still)" refers to the *kaya* (body) as the portion from the waist up to the neck. *Shira* (head) means the cerebrum or skull, and *griva* (neck) means the part between the head and the body. During meditation, these three parts should remain straight; all the vertebrae of the spinal cord should be aligned, and the head and neck should be in the same direction. This implies that the *kaya*, *shira*, and *griva* should remain motionless in a straight line. Leaning forward or backward obstructs concentration, therefore they should be kept straight. The Lord has not specified any particular *asana* (posture) here. Regardless of the *asana* one adopts, the *kaya*, *shira*, and *griva* must be in alignment so that the mind can quickly become tranquil and steady. If sleep troubles one during meditation, walk for a while, then sit steadily again, resolving not to get up. '*Dishash-cha-anav lokayan*' (not looking in any direction) means not looking around, because if the *griva* (neck) moves, meditation will be disturbed. '*Samprekshya nasikagram svam*' (gazing at the tip of one's own nose) means to gaze at the tip of one's nose, keeping the eyes half-open. Closing them fully might induce sleep, and keeping them wide open might distract the mind. For meditation, the *sharira* (body), *indriyas* (senses), and *manas* (mind) must be kept steady; one should sit like a stone idol. Through such continuous *abhyasa* (practice), mastery in meditation will be achieved. Connection: After describing the method of sitting, the subsequent verses will now describe *saguna-sakar Dhyana* (meditation on the personal, manifest form of God).