Today, on June 21, 2024, the world is celebrating International Yoga Day. Yoga is a traditional Indian physical, mental and spiritual discipline. The Sanskrit word “yoga” means “to join” or “to become one,” implying the integration of body and mind. Hindu scriptures also list the benefits of yoga and meditation.
The sixth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, “Dhyana Yoga/The Yoga of Meditation”, is full of insightful advice on how to improve the thoughts and emotions that constantly bombard our minds.
Prince Arjuna laments his restless, noisy, forceful and stubborn state of mind, and thus as uncontrollable as controlling the wind (Dhyana Yoga, verse 34). In Dhyana Yoga, verse 35, Lord Krishna gives him instructions on the practice of meditation yoga, in other words, helpful instructions on mindfulness, self-control, equanimity and detachment (Vairagya).
Let’s take a look at the top 10 shlokas from Srimad Bhagavad Gita on yoga and meditation to control the mind.
10 Best Quotes from Srimad Bhagavad Gita on Yoga
1. Yam Sanyasamiti Praaphryogam Tam Viddi Pandavas; Na Hyasanyastha Sankarpo Yogi Bhavati Kaschana
Meaning: Do you know, Arjuna, that Yoga is what is called renunciation? He who has not renounced thought cannot really be a yogi.
2. Sri Bhagavaan Uvaacha: Everything is created by everything.
Meaning: The Holy Lord has said: He who performs his duty without depending on the fruits of his actions, he himself is a sannyasin and a yogi, not one who is without passion and action.
3. Yogi Jungita Satamaatmanam Rahasi Sthita; We are all repeating the same thing.
Meaning: The Yogi should always strive to remain calm, in solitude, alone, in control of mind and body, and free from desire and greed.
Four. All good comes by God’s mercy.
Meaning: In a clean place, make a sturdy seat for yourself using layers of cloth, leather and kusha grass, not too high or too low.
Five. Tatraikagram is the divine creator. Upavishyaasane yunjyaadyogamaatmavishuddhaye.
Meaning: There, with the mind concentrated on one point, and the activities of the mind and senses controlled, one sits and practices yoga for self-purification.
6. The will of God is made manifest before us. The will of God is made manifest before us.
Meaning: Keep your body straight, head and neck straight, and completely still, gazing down the tip of your nose without looking around.
Yoga and meditation can transform your mind into a powerful ally, bringing you inner peace, peak performance, and independence from negative tendencies. (Image source: Canva)
7. Then you will be able to live your life. Pranapanav creates all things.
Meaning: Cut off all external contact, fix your gaze on the brow, and equalize your inhalation and exhalation in your nostrils.
8. Yata, deep, nivatast, nengate, sopama, smrita. Yogino yatacittasha yunjat yogamatmana.
Meaning: Just as a lamp placed in a windless place does not flicker, it is likened to a yogi with a controlled mind who is practising yoga within himself (or is immersed in the yoga of the self).
9. Shanai shanailparamed buddhaya dhritigrihitayaa. We are now being saved by the will of God.
Meaning: By keeping the intellect firm, one gradually attains stillness and allows the mind to be fixed in the Self and free from thoughts.
Also Read: Why Adiyogi Lord Shiva is known as the source of Yoga? Know the history and importance
Ten. Yadaa hi nendryaartesh na karmaswanushajjat. Sarva-sankalpa-sanyasina yogaarudas tadchiyate.
Meaning: When a person is not attached to sense objects and actions and has renounced all thought, he is said to have attained Yoga.
