Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 18

English Translation

A man who has become free from hankering for all desirable objects is then said to be Self-absorbed when the controlled mind rests in the Self alone.

Detailed Commentary

From the tenth to the thirteenth verse of this chapter, the methods of *asanas* for *Dhyana-Yogis* have been described. In the fourteenth and fifteenth verses, the meditation on *Saguna Sakara* (God with form and attributes) has been described along with its results. Then, in the sixteenth and seventeenth verses, useful rules for all seekers have been provided. Now, from this (eighteenth) verse to the twenty-third verse, the meditation on *Svarupa* (one's true Self) is being described along with its results. 'When the mind (Chitta) becomes well-controlled and, free from worldly thoughts, becomes established in its true nature (*Sva-bhava*).' This means that it becomes established in that which existed when nothing else was, and which will continue to exist even after everything else ceases. The bliss inherent in one's true nature has never been experienced by the mind elsewhere before. Therefore, upon encountering that bliss, the mind becomes completely absorbed in it. 'And when one becomes free from all desires (*kama*) and enjoyments (*bhoga*), then one is called a 'Yogi'.' The terms 'Yada' (when) and 'Tada' (then) signify that the very moment the *Chitta* becomes established in its true nature and completely free from desires, at that instant, one is called a Yogi. A special point: Two points are highlighted in this verse – firstly, the *Chitta* becoming steady in the Self (*Svarupa*), and secondly, detachment from all objects (*padarthas*). This implies that when the mind becomes stable in its true nature, it no longer contemplates anything else. Thus, the *Dhyana-Yogi* becomes free from all desires and needs. Such a one is a true Yogi. This state was previously alluded to in the fourth verse for the *Karma-Yogi*. There it is stated that when attachment to sensory enjoyments (*bhogas*) and actions ceases, one is called *Yogarudha* (one who has ascended to Yoga) (6.4). The *Karma-Yogi* serves, and when attachment from their mind ceases, they become *Yogarudha*. For the *Dhyana-Yogi*, when the *Chitta* becomes established in its *Svarupa*, their desires (*kamana*) cease. Connection – The state of a *Chitta* that has become steady in the Self (*Svarupa*) is further explained in the next verse using the analogy of a lamp.