Bhagavad Gita

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 8: Akṣhar Brahma Yogam Verse 12

Bhagavad Gita - krishna --bhagavad gita dhyana shloka

(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

The Mind Can Be Locked In The Heart By Regulating The Passageways That Enter The Body

सर्वद्वाराणि संयम्य मनो हृदि निरुध्य च |
मूर्ध्न्याधायात्मन: प्राणमास्थितो योगधारणाम् || 8.12||

sarva-dvārāṇi sanyamya mano hṛidi nirudhya cha
mūrdhnyādhāyātmanaḥ prāṇam āsthito yoga-dhāraṇām|| 8.12||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 8- Ver. 12:

Controlling all of the gates, enclosing the mind in the heart, and establishing one’s praanaas in the forehead, all while maintaining yogic concentration.

Explanation

In this shloka, Shri Krishna describes the practise of concentrating on the name of Ishvara. He lays up a sequence of stages that are akin to the sixth chapter’s extensive meditation analysis.

The world reaches our mind through the senses and their objects. An item of perception leaves an impression on our mind when we see, hear, touch, taste, or smell it. The mind then concentrates on these events, contemplates them, and generates recurrent thoughts that strengthen our bond with the world. As a result, a meditation practitioner must guard against the never-ending stream of worldly thoughts that the unfettered senses might produce.

Meditation requires shutting off the outside world by restricting the mind and senses.

The mind can be locked in the heart by regulating the passageways that enter the body. The mind is directed toward akharam, the imperishable Supreme Lord, by restricting the senses from their natural tendencies. Then one should dwell on Him with undivided concentration and devotional feelings. Yoga-dhram, which means “uniting consciousness with God,” concludes the passage.

Verse & what we can learn

Controlling the sense organs, decreasing the number of ideas to one, directing the life energy or praana, and remaining in this state of concentration for an extended period of time are all examples of concentration. The first step is to gain control of the “gates,” or sense-perception organs. We are encouraged to meditate in a place with less distraction so that the mind does not rush out into the external world in search of a sound, image, or smell.

“Confine the mind within the heart” is the second stage. This means, for example, utilising japa meditation, we must gradually reduce the number of ideas to one. Other than the object of meditation, no other thoughts should enter the mind.

The third and fourth levels necessitate the supervision and instruction of a skilled master. For the sake of wholeness, a skilled yogi might focus his praana, or life energy, in one portion of the body. A yogi of this type is instructed to concentrate his life energy in the forehead. The yogi is then instructed to hold this pose for a lengthy amount of time.

Such deep concentration necessitates a great deal of effort and practise.

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.

In the Next verse, Shri Krishna tells Arjuna What name should we use, presuming we’ve mastered the practise of meditating on Ishvara’s name?

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

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