(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

Our Mind’s Tendency To Bounce From One Thought To The Next Slows As Our Dedication Grows, Settling Into The Single Thought Of Ishvara

प्रयाणकाले मनसाचलेन
भक्त्या युक्तो योगबलेन चैव |
भ्रुवोर्मध्ये प्राणमावेश्य सम्यक्
स तं परं पुरुषमुपैति दिव्यम् || 8.10||

prayāṇa-kāle manasāchalena
bhaktyā yukto yoga-balena chaiva
bhruvor madhye prāṇam āveśhya samyak
sa taṁ paraṁ puruṣham upaiti divyam|| 8.10||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 8- Ver. 10:

At the time of departure, endowed with devotion, an unwavering mind, as well as the power of yoga, fully establishing the praanaas in the centre of the eyebrows, he attains that supreme divine person.

Explanation

“Prayaana kale” literally translates to “departure time” or “death time.” It represents the death of the ego or the loss of our concept of finiteness. As a result, we develop steadfast devotion or bhakti towards Ishvara when we free ourselves of selfish cravings, likes, and dislikes, and thus destroy the ego.

Our mind’s inclination to jump from one thought to the next slows as our dedication grows, and we settle into the single thought of Ishvara. Then we can focus on Ishvara’s form as the supreme, divine person, or parama purusha. We now have access to all of the energy that would otherwise be wasted on selfish thinking and behaviour. This store of energy can be directed toward meditation.

As a result, if we apply these guidelines to cultivate the daily habit of focusing on Ishvara, we will naturally and easily remember Ishvara when the time comes for us to depart from this world. Of course, the idea is to progressively ease into meditation as our level of devotion to Ishvara develops, rather than forcing it. Shri Krishna brings the topic of meditation on Ishvara’s form to a close with this shloka. Next, the idea of meditating on Ishvara’s name is discussed.

Verse & what we can learn

From verse ten to thirteen, Shree Krishna describes yog-mihra bhakti. snaThe life energy, or prana shakti, is channelled through the sushumna nadi of the spinal column and then lifted toward the third eye region between the eyebrows in ashtanga yoga. He declares in this verse that whomever practises this with deep devotion and entire focus on the Divine Lord would undoubtedly achieve Him at the time of death.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

Shri Krishna brings the topic of meditation on Ishvara’s form to a close with this shloka. In the Next shloka, the idea of meditating on Ishvara’s name is discussed.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…