Chapter 5, Verse 27 (Bhagavad Gita 5.27)
Chapter 5: Karm Sanyās Yog – Path of Renunciation
Sanskrit Shloka
स्पर्शान्कृत्वा बहिर्बाह्यांश्चक्षुश्चैवान्तरे भ्रुवोः। प्राणापानौ समौ कृत्वा नासाभ्यन्तरचारिणौ
Transliteration
sparśhān kṛitvā bahir bāhyānśh chakṣhuśh chaivāntare bhruvoḥ prāṇāpānau samau kṛitvā nāsābhyantara-chāriṇau yatendriya-mano-buddhir munir mokṣha-parāyaṇaḥ vigatechchhā-bhaya-krodho yaḥ sadā mukta eva saḥ
Word Meanings
sparśhān—contacts (through senses); kṛitvā—keeping; bahiḥ—outside; bāhyān—external; chakṣhuḥ—eyes; cha—and; eva—certainly; antare—between; bhruvoḥ—of the eyebrows; prāṇa-apānau—the outgoing and incoming breaths; samau—equal; kṛitvā—keeping; nāsa-abhyantara—within the nostrils; chāriṇau—moving; yata—controlled; indriya—senses; manaḥ—mind; buddhiḥ—intellect; muniḥ—the sage; mokṣha—liberation; parāyaṇaḥ—dedicated; vigata—free; ichchhā—desires; bhaya—fear; krodhaḥ—anger; yaḥ—who; sadā—always; muktaḥ—liberated; eva—certainly; saḥ—that person
Translation
Shutting out all external sense objects, keeping the eyes fixed between the eyebrows, and balancing the incoming and outgoing breaths within the nostrils.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse serves as a physiological foundation for deep meditation, emphasizing the withdrawal of sensory focus from the outer world to the inner landscape. By regulating the breath, the practitioner stabilizes the mind, effectively bridging the gap between the chaotic physical body and the tranquil consciousness. It teaches that true peace is not found in controlling external circumstances, but in mastering one's internal bio-rhythms. This practice transforms the simple act of breathing into a conscious ritual, gradually leading the aspirant toward a state of profound stillness and self-awareness.