Chapter 6, Verse 13 (Bhagavad Gita 6.13)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
समं कायशिरोग्रीवं धारयन्नचलं स्थिरः। संप्रेक्ष्य नासिकाग्रं स्वं दिशश्चानवलोकयन्
Transliteration
samaṁ kāya-śhiro-grīvaṁ dhārayann achalaṁ sthiraḥ samprekṣhya nāsikāgraṁ svaṁ diśhaśh chānavalokayan
Word Meanings
samam—straight; kāya—body; śhiraḥ—head; grīvam—neck; dhārayan—holding; achalam—unmoving; sthiraḥ—still; samprekṣhya—gazing; nāsika-agram—at the tip of the nose; svam—own; diśhaḥ—directions; cha—and; anavalokayan—not looking
Translation
Holding the body, head, and neck erect and motionless, the practitioner should remain steady, gazing at the tip of the nose without looking in any other direction.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse emphasizes the essential connection between physical posture and mental stability. By keeping the body erect, one aligns the spinal column, which is considered the conduit for spiritual energy, while the steady gaze prevents the senses from wandering into external distractions. This practice of stillness acts as an anchor for the restless mind, teaching the seeker that mastery over the physical form is the gateway to internal control. Ultimately, it signifies that meditation is not merely an intellectual activity, but a disciplined physical commitment to remaining present and centered. Through this poise, one transitions from external chaos to an interior state of profound, uninterrupted awareness.