स्पर्शान्कृत्वा बहिर्बाह्यांश्चक्षुश्चैवान्तरे भ्रुवोः। प्राणापानौ समौ कृत्वा नासाभ्यन्तरचारिणौ।।5.27।।
sparśān kṛtvā bahirbāhyāṃś ca akṣuś ca iva antarē bhravoḥ. prāṇāpānau samau kṛtvā nāsābhyantaracāriṇau. //5.27//
Translation
Having touched the outer and inner parts of the eyes and the brows, and having made inhalation and exhalation equal, he makes the breath move within the nostrils.
Word Meanings
स्पर्शान् — touching; कृत्वा — having done; बाह्य — external; अन्तः — internal; अंशः — part; चक्षुः — eye; च — and; एव — indeed; अंतरे — within; भ्रुवोः — of the eyebrows; प्राणः — inhalation; अपानः — exhalation; समौ — equal; नासाः — nostrils; अन्तरः — inner; चारिणौ — moving; द्वे — two; कृत्वा — making; इति — thus
Understanding the Verse
In Chapter 5 of the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna explains the path of renunciation of action (sannyāsa) and the importance of controlling the senses to attain a tranquil mind. Verse 27 describes a specific yogic technique that involves subtle regulation of the senses and breath. The sage first ‘touches’ (sparśān kṛtvā) the external (bahir) and internal (antar) portions of the eyes and eyebrows. This is not a literal touching but a concentration of the mind on the sensory organs, directing awareness to the points through which visual and mental impressions enter. By focusing attention on these points, the practitioner begins to withdraw the mind from external distractions and turn it inward.
Next, the verse mentions making the two breaths – inhalation (prāṇa) and exhalation (apāna) – equal (samau kṛtvā). This is a classic instruction of pranayama, the regulation of the life‑force. Equalizing the two breaths balances the opposing currents of energy, creates a steady rhythm, and steadies the mind. When the breath becomes even, mental fluctuations subside, and the practitioner gains a stable platform for deeper meditation.
Finally, the breath is directed ‘within the nostrils’ (nāsābhyantara‑cāriṇau). By keeping the breath subtle and confined to the nasal cavity, the practitioner avoids the scattering effect of a forceful breath and cultivates a gentle, continuous flow of prāṇa. This internal movement of breath serves as a bridge between the physical body and the subtle mind, allowing the senses to be quieted without complete cessation, which is especially suitable for the householder seeking spiritual progress.
The practical outcome of this practice is the attainment of a mind that is free from the disturbances caused by the five senses (indriyas). When the eyes, ears, nostrils, tongue, and skin are no longer the primary sources of mental agitation, the seeker experiences a state of inner peace (śānti) and clarity (spṣṭatā). In the broader philosophical context of Chapter 5, such mastery over the senses supports the goal of renunciation while still performing one’s duties, because the actions are no longer driven by desire or attachment.
For contemporary practitioners, this verse offers a concise method to begin a regular meditation routine: focus attention on the eyes and eyebrows, practice equal breathing, and keep the breath subtle within the nostrils. Even a few minutes daily can calm the nervous system, improve concentration, and align one’s actions with the higher purpose of self‑realization. Thus, Verse 5.27 encapsulates the timeless wisdom that the control of breath and sensory perception is the gateway to inner liberation.
