(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

Only When The Mind Has Evolved Beyond The Creation Of Desires And Cravings Does True Meditation Occur

यदा विनियतं चित्तमात्मन्येवावतिष्ठते |
नि:स्पृह: सर्वकामेभ्यो युक्त इत्युच्यते तदा || 6.18||

yadā viniyataṁ chittam ātmanyevāvatiṣhṭhate
niḥspṛihaḥ sarva-kāmebhyo yukta ityuchyate tadā|| 6.18||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 6- Ver. 18:

They learn to withdraw the mind from selfish desires and fix it on the unsurpassable good of the self through strict discipline. Such people are said to be in Yoga, and they are free of all sense yearnings.

Explanation

When the regulated chitta (thought) becomes fixed and solely focused on God, It is subsequently weaned away from all sense needs and desires for worldly pleasures simultaneously and effortlessly. One can be deemed yukta, or attaining perfect Yoga, at that time. “Of all yogis, those whose minds are always absorbed in me, and who engage in devotion to me with great faith, I consider them to be the highest of all,” he says at the end of this chapter.

Shri Krishna provides us with a method for assessing our progress toward meditation perfection. He claims that one can only be termed a meditator if he or she can anchor the mind in the self rather than in the world’s material items. The material world’s thoughts become the most significant impediment to meditation.

Vaasanaas, or latent urges and cravings, are the source of these thoughts. When we perceive or entertain material objects in our minds, we produce subtle impressions or vaasanaas in our minds These impressions are subsequently regurgitated in the form of thoughts by the mind. The “chitta” refers to the area of the mind that stores these impressions.

A desire is a thought that states, “I haven’t done anything yet, and I want to do it.” A craving is a thought that states, “I had a fantastic experience before, but I want to have it again.” These two types of thoughts prevent us from sitting in meditation because they direct the mind outward. Impressions are recorded profoundly or superficially depending on the tendencies of our sense organs. Stronger perceptions elicit stronger thoughts, which forcefully drag the mind outward.

When the mind has stopped turning outward, where should it be established? According to Shri Krishna, the mind should become settled in the aatmaa, or self. He had, however, urged us to meditate on his form in a previous shloka. What exactly does this imply?

There is no difference, according to Shri Krishna. He is who we are. He is, in reality, the self of all beings. The great revelation of the Holy book is this. It’s fine if we choose to focus on his form. It’s great if we prefer to dwell on the formless brahman, the eternal essence. Beginner seekers will find it easier to meditate on the form.
However, it is critical that we hold the Ishta Devata, the form of Ishvara that we have chosen to concentrate on, in high regard and love. Meditation is not a mechanical activity; it necessitates the continuous cooperation of the body, mind, and intellect. Meditation will not take place if the mind does not enjoy it.

Verse & what we can learn

Only until the mind has progressed beyond the generation of desires and cravings does true meditation occur. This person is considered perfected, integrated, and established in meditation when the mind is established in the self. He is deserving of the title of yogi. It can only happen if you have a very well-controlled mind that is pure and free of any cravings and desires.

Only when we make meditation a major priority will the mind settle in the self. To put it another way, all other activity in the world should take a back seat. Otherwise, they will manifest themselves in meditation. That is exactly what our job involves. Once we’ve done that, the mind will naturally settle in the self.

With a strong intellect and the practices of Karma Yoga, Bhakti Yoga, and Jnana Yoga, a completely restrained mind can be achieved. Act with a charitable mindset, appreciate all living things, and be aware of life’s impermanence.
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 about disciplined mind.

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