Chapter 6, Verse 19 (Bhagavad Gita 6.19)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता। योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मनः
Transliteration
yathā dīpo nivāta-stho neṅgate sopamā smṛitā yogino yata-chittasya yuñjato yogam ātmanaḥ
Word Meanings
yathā—as; dīpaḥ—a lamp; nivāta-sthaḥ—in a windless place; na—does not; iṅgate—flickers; sā—this; upamā—analogy; smṛitā—is considered; yoginaḥ—of a yogi; yata-chittasya—whose mind is disciplined; yuñjataḥ—steadily practicing; yogam—in meditation; ātmanaḥ—on the Supreme
Translation
Just as a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, so the Yogi whose mind is controlled remains steady while practicing meditation on the Self.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse illustrates the state of perfect mental equilibrium achieved through dedicated spiritual practice. The 'wind' represents the turbulent desires, anxieties, and distractions that usually agitate the human psyche, causing it to fluctuate like a flickering flame. When the practitioner learns to shield the inner consciousness from these external gusts, the mind attains a state of unwavering stillness. This profound quietude is not mere suppression, but a natural stabilization that allows the light of the Self to shine with clarity and precision. Ultimately, it teaches that true peace is found within when one becomes indifferent to the storms of the world.