How should a Yogi practice meditation?

The Gita suggests a solitary, pure place, maintaining a straight posture, controlling the senses, and focusing the mind entirely on God (the Absolute).

Yoga of Meditation, Dhyana, Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6

Bhagavad Gita 6-29. Man focused on Yoga (Philosophy). Equanimity

In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, known as Dhyana Yoga) or the Yoga of Meditation, Sri Krishna provides a practical guide on how to master the mind.

This chapter represents the "Raja Yoga" aspect of the Gita, focusing on concentration and the realization of the Atman (the Self).

As presented by Pedro Nonell—an expert in the Gita and the spiritual traditions of Sri Ramakrishna and Swami Vivekananda—we learn that the mind can be one's greatest friend or worst enemy. By practicing disciplined meditation and maintaining equanimity in all circumstances, the seeker can transcend worldly distractions and achieve a profound, direct union with God.

This chapter is available in English and Spanish translation by Pedro Nonell.

Pedro Nonell, expert in Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta
Professor: Pedro Nonell (Expert and translator into Spanish of the Bhagavad Gita and Vivekananda)

Courses. Bhagavad Gita - Dhyana Yoga

Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita: Dhyana Yoga (Meditation) let the Yogi focus his thought on the Atman.

Bhagavad Gita Training, Gandhi, comments Sivananda (Spanish) Philosophy of Yoga
Gita according Gandhi, translated into Spanish by Pedro Nonell

Bhagavad Gita 6-13-14. Yogi firm in Brahmacharya, fixing his eyes on his nose

Bhagavad Gita 6-8. The Yogi who is fully satisfied by wisdom and knowledge

Download Pedro Nonell's free Spanish translation of Gita according to Gandhi

Outline

Outline of Chapter 6 Yoga Meditation (Dhyana) Course Karma Bhagavad Gita

For Atman (Self) alone is the friend of self, and Self alone is the enemy of self Bhagavad Gita 6-5

Bhagavad Gita 6-15. With the mind controlled, the yogi unites with the Atman

How to practice Dhyana Yoga (philosophy, meditation) according to the Bhagavad Gita?

Read the first fifteen verses of this chapter

The Lord said:

1. He who performs all obligatory actions, without depending on their fruits, is a Sannyasin and a Yogi, not the man who neglects the “sacrificial fire” nor the one who neglects the action.

2. That which is called Sannyasa (renunciation), know it as yoga, O Pandava; because no one can become a yogi without having renounced his selfish purposes

3. For that man who seeks to crown the heights of yoga, action is his means; for that same man, when he has already crowned them, inaction is the means.

4. When a man is not attached to either sense objects or actions and expels all selfish purposes, he has crowned the heights of yoga.

The First 15 Shlokas

5. For oneself (Self), one should stand up and not let oneself fall; because Atman (Self) alone is the friend of self, and the Self alone is the enemy of the self.

6. Only he who has conquered himself through his Being is a friend of his Being: but for him who has not conquered himself, and is therefore an enemy of himself, even his Being behaves like an enemy.

7. He who has conquered himself and who rests in perfect calm, the self is completely calm, both in cold and in heat, in pleasure and in pain, in honor and in dishonor.

8. The yogi who is satisfied with the knowledge of the Sastras and experience of the Self, who is immovable, who has conquered the senses, who look with an equal eye on mud, stone and gold, is said to be united or harmonised in yoga

The Bhagavad Gita is Yoga-Shastra

9. He is superior who considers both the bosom friend, the friend, the enemy, the stranger, the mediator, the foreigner and the ally, the same as the saint and the sinner.

10. Alone, stationed in a solitary place, self-controlled, free from desire, and not receiving anything from others, the yogi (Practising Dhyana Yoga) should unite the mind with the Atman.

11. Fixed in himself, in a pure place, on a firm seat, neither too high nor too low, covered with kusha grass, on a deerskin and on a cloth.

12. Sitting on that seat, with his mind concentrated, with the functions of thought and senses controlled, he must dedicate himself to the practice of yoga for the sake of self-purification.

13. Remaining firm, holding the trunk, neck and head in a straight line and motionless, fixing his eyes on the tip of his nose and without looking around him.

14. With a calm spirit, free from fear, firm in the vow of Brahmacharya, keeping his mind controlled, the yogi should sit with all his thoughts on Me, absorbed in Me.

15. Thus, by constantly keeping his mind absorbed in Me, the yogi of disciplined mind attains Nirvana and attains supreme peace with Me

Etc.

Thus concludes the sixth chapter entitled Dhyana Yoga.

dialogue Krishna and Arjuna, Science Philosophy of Yoga Brahman, Upanishad Bhagavad Gita

Bhagavad Gita 6-19. Yogi trying to unite with the Atman

How to practice Dhyana Yoga (meditation) according to the Bhagavad Gita?

How to practice Dhyana Yoga?

Meditation should be practiced alone and not in the company of others:

“Alone, in a solitary, self-controlled place, free from desires and receiving nothing from others, the yogi (practicing Dhyana Yoga) should unite the mind with the Atman” Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, verse 10 (Swami Vidya Prakashananda).

From this verse we can identify five conditions for the practice of Dhyana Yoga according to the Bhagavad Gita:

Loneliness
Live in a lonely place
Control of mind and body
Lack of desires
Not receive

Bhagavad Gita 6-19. Stop thinking with Yoga (Philosophy)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the central theme of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6?

The central theme is Dhyana Yoga, focusing on the discipline of meditation, control of the mind, and the importance of equanimity to realize the Atman (Self).

Is the mind a friend or an enemy according to the Gita?

Sri Krishna explains that the mind is the friend of those who have conquered it, but it remains the enemy of those who have not achieved self-mastery.

What are the requirements for practicing meditation in this chapter?

The Gita suggests five conditions: Loneliness (practicing alone), a solitary place, control of mind and body, freedom from desires, and not receiving unnecessary gifts from others.

Who is Pedro Nonell?

Pedro Nonell is a leading specialist in the Bhagavad Gita and Advaita Vedanta. He is the author of "The Yoga of Wisdom" and a dedicated translator who brings the teachings of Gandhi, Sivananda, and Vivekananda to a modern audience.

Conclusion

Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita offers the definitive manual for internal peace. It teaches us that while the world around us may be in constant flux, the true sanctuary is within.

By following the path of Dhyana Yoga, as illuminated by the expert analysis of Pedro Nonell, we gain the ability to master our mental faculties and live with a sense of purpose and calm.

Ultimately, meditation is not just a technique, but a state of being where the self is unified with the Atman, allowing the practitioner to perceive the presence of God in all beings and all beings within God.