Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 26

English Translation

(The yogi) should bring (this mind) under the subjugation of the Self Itself, by restraining it from all those causes whatever due to which the restless, unsteady mind wanders away.

Detailed Commentary

The mind of the *sadhaka* does not settle on its chosen goal (*dhyeya*), hence it is called unstable (*asthira*). This mind contemplates various worldly enjoyments (*bhogas*) and objects, hence it is called restless (*chanchala*). The implication is that this mind neither becomes steady in *Paramatma* nor relinquishes the *samsara*. Therefore, the *sadhaka* should, wherever the mind may wander, withdraw it from there and direct it towards *Paramatma*. Care is needed in controlling this unstable and restless mind; there should be no laxity. To fix the mind on *Paramatma* means that whenever one realizes the mind is contemplating objects, one should then reflect that *Paramatma* alone is the basis and illuminator of this state of contemplation. This is what it means to fix the mind on *Paramatma*. **Techniques for engaging the mind in Paramatma:** (1) When the mind wanders into the domain of any sense object (*indriya-vishaya*), or towards any person, object, event, or situation, at that time, withdraw the mind from it and fix it on *Paramatma*. If it wanders again, fix it on *Paramatma* again. In this way, keep repeatedly fixing the mind on the *dhyeya*. (2) Wherever the mind goes, see *Paramatma* there. For instance, if Ganga Ji comes to mind, *Paramatma* alone is in the form of Ganga Ji; if a cow comes to mind, *Paramatma* alone is in the form of the cow. In this way, engage the mind in *Paramatma*. From another perspective, *Paramatma* alone exists in Ganga Ji and such things, because *Paramatma* will remain both before and after them. (3) When the *sadhaka* practices engaging the mind in *Paramatma*, thoughts of the world (*samsara*) arise. One should not be perturbed by this. When the *sadhaka*'s goal becomes *Paramatma*, then old impressions (*samskaras*) of worldly life emerge in the form of worldly thoughts. While performing worldly duties, they do not get a chance to emerge, therefore when one sits in solitude, they begin to come forth. (4) Difficulty in contemplating *Bhagavan* arises when the *sadhaka* considers themselves to belong to the world. Therefore, the *sadhaka* should become one with *Bhagavan* and contemplate *Bhagavan* alone. (5) While meditating (*dhyana*), the *sadhaka* should be mindful that no task remains incomplete in the mind. Therefore, do not harbor intentions (*sankalpas*) that obstruct *dhyana*. (6) If intentions and doubts (*sankalpa-vikalpas*) arise during *dhyana*, then dismiss them by saying 'Adang Badang Svaha'. (7) While looking forward, rapidly blink the eyelids for some time, and then close the eyes. This will also cut off inner *sankalpa-vikalpas*. (8) Forcefully exhale breath through the nostrils a few times. And finally, exhale forcefully and hold the breath. Hold for as long as possible, then slowly inhale and return to a natural state. **Context:** In the twenty-fourth and twenty-fifth *shlokas*, the state of the *Dhyanayogi* has been described. In the next two *shlokas*, a description of their state and the fruit of their practice (*sadhana*) is given.