Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 25

English Translation

One should gradually withdraw with the intellect endowed with steadiness. Making the mind fixed in the Self, one should not think of anything whatsoever.

Detailed Commentary

Commentary on Bhagavad Gita 6.25: "Buddhyā dhṛtigṛhītayā" (with intellect held by conviction/fortitude). During Sadhana, practitioners often experience boredom and disappointment when Tattva-realization does not occur during meditation and contemplation. Bhagavan says to continue the practice of Dhyana-yoga, and even if Siddhi is not achieved, maintain patience. Whether success or failure, patience is essential. Just as there is patience after Siddhi, so too should there be patience in failure. Even if years pass, and the body perishes, the Tattva must still be attained, for there is no greater task than this. Keep the Buddhi within oneself; let not pride, praise, or comfort enter it. Gradually, without haste, become indifferent to the Vishayas (sense objects) and ultimately attain Uparam from them. Even after renouncing Kamanas (desires) and restraining the mind, do not resist the state of Uparam. This is essential because the Parama-tattva cannot be grasped by the mind. The powers of Manas and Buddhi originate from Paramatma, and therefore they cannot grasp Him. Seeking worldly pleasures has only brought Dukha (suffering). Contemplation of the world is useless; attain Uparam from it. "Ātmasaṁsthaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā" (having established the mind in the Self) — Everywhere there is only one Satchidananda Paramatma. He is present even in Sankalpas. This firm conviction should remain in the Buddhi. Paramatma alone is all-pervading, and the mind should remain steady in Him. By doing so, there remains no Sankalpa-Vikalpa (doubt or fluctuation) concerning the world. Quietening the Buddhi and stabilizing it in Paramatma will lead to spontaneous Anubhuti (direct experience). While meditating, believe that just as there is only water everywhere in the ocean, so too Paramatma is all-pervading. Paramatma is in every particle of the body. Even while performing daily activities (Vyavahar), one is not separate from Paramatma. Giving importance to objects causes Vikshepa (distraction). Believe this during Dhyana and keep it in mind during Vyavahar. Whether the world comes to mind or not makes no difference. Paramatma is the source of infinite, boundless Shanti (peace), and Ananda (bliss). Believe this during Dhyana and keep it in mind during Vyavahar. Everything is subject to origin and destruction (Utpatti-Vinashashil), but Paramatma is immutable (Achal); maintain a state of being in Him. Throughout the year, this knowledge remains in the practitioner's (Sadhak's) mind, just as a Brahmin remains in his Brahman-hood. The Sadhak's Dhyeya (goal) is to have the Anubhuti of Paramatma at all times. Connection: If the Nirvikalpa state (state without mental constructs) is not achieved, the practice is described in the next verse.