शनैः शनैरुपरमेद् बुद्ध्या धृतिगृहीतया। आत्मसंस्थं मनः कृत्वा न किञ्चिदपि चिन्तयेत्।।6.25।।
śanaiḥ śanair uparamed buddhyā dhṛtigṛhītayā | ātmasaṁsthaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā na kiñcid api cintayet ||6.25||
Translation
Gradually, step by step, one should withdraw the mind, carried by steadfast intelligence, keeping the mind established in the Self, and should think of nothing else.
Word Meanings
शनैः — gradually; शनैः — step by step; उपरमेद् — one should hold back; बुद्ध्या — by intelligence; धृतिगृहीतया — carried by conviction; आत्मसंस्थं — placed in transcendence; मनः — mind; कृत्वा — making; न — not; किञ्चिद् — anything else; अपि — even; चिन्तयेत् — should think of
Understanding the Verse
In this verse, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna on the art of meditation, emphasizing a methodical and gentle approach to withdrawing the senses from external objects. The repeated adverb "शनैः शनैः" (slowly, step by step) underscores that mastery over the mind is not achieved through forceful suppression but through patient, incremental discipline. By allowing the mind to retreat gradually, the practitioner avoids agitation and fosters a natural steadiness.
The phrase "उपरमेद्" (one should hold back) conveys the active yet non‑violent act of pulling the senses inward. It is not a denial of the world but a conscious redirection of attention toward the inner self. This inward movement is supported by "बुद्ध्या" (by intelligence), indicating that the intellect must guide the process. Intelligence here is not merely academic knowledge but a discerning wisdom that recognizes the transient nature of sensory objects.
"धृतिगृहीतया" (carried by conviction) adds the element of resolve. Conviction provides the necessary vigor to sustain the practice when the mind inevitably wavers. It is the inner determination that maintains the course set by intelligence.
The result of this combined effort is "आत्मसंस्थं मनः" – a mind firmly established in the Self (Ātman). When the mind is anchored in its true nature, it no longer seeks fulfillment in external distractions. The verb "कृत्वा" (making) signals the completion of this establishment, a state achieved through disciplined practice.
Finally, the verse culminates with "न किञ्चिदपि चिन्तयेत्" – one should not think of anything at all. This is not an injunction to suppress thoughts arbitrarily but an invitation to rest in the silence that naturally follows when the mind is steadied. In the silence, the true self shines forth, free from the incessant chatter of the intellect and senses.
Krishna's guidance therefore integrates three essential components for successful meditation: a gradual withdrawal (शनैः शनैः), the guidance of discerning intelligence (बुद्ध्या), and steadfast resolve (धृतिगृहीतया). When these are harmonized, the practitioner attains a mind that remains rooted in the Self, capable of abiding in profound tranquility. This verse thus serves as a concise blueprint for anyone seeking to cultivate inner peace through disciplined meditation.
