Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 20

Chapter 6 – Dhyana Yoga · Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit verse

यत्रोपरमते चित्तं निरुद्धं योगसेवया ।
यत्र चैवात्मनात्मानं पश्यन्नात्मनि तुष्यति ॥

Transliteration

yatroparamate cittaṃ niruddhaṃ yogasevayā .
yatra caivātmanātmānaṃ paśyannātmani tuṣyati ॥

Meaning

That state in which the mind, restrained by the practice of yoga, comes to rest; in which, seeing the Self by the self, one is content in the Self alone —

Word meanings

यत्र – where, in which state
उपरमते – comes to rest, becomes quiet
चित्तम् – the mind
निरुद्धम् – restrained
योगसेवया – by the practice of yoga
यत्र – where
च – and
एव – indeed
आत्मना – by the (purified) mind
आत्मानम् – the Self
पश्यन् – seeing
आत्मनि – in the Self
तुष्यति – is content

Anvaya (word order)

यत्र योगसेवया निरुद्धं चित्तम् उपरमते, यत्र च एव आत्मना आत्मानं पश्यन् आत्मनि तुष्यति —

Explanation

This verse begins a long sentence running from 6.20 to 6.23, in which Krishna describes the highest state of yoga. At the end (6.23) he says, 'know that to be yoga.' This verse gives two marks of that state.

First — yatroparamate chittam niruddham yoga-sevaya — where the mind, restrained through the steady service of yoga, comes completely to rest. The word niruddha recalls Patanjali's definition of yoga as the restraint (nirodha) of the modifications of the mind. The waves of thought gradually subside, as a lake grows still when the wind drops. The phrase yoga-seva — the 'service' of yoga — suggests that this state comes from long, faithful practice undertaken with devotion.

Second — atmana atmanam pashyan atmani tushyati — seeing the Self through the purified mind, one is content in the Self alone. When the lake is still, its bed becomes visible; likewise, in a still mind the nature of the Self is revealed. The yogi then needs nothing outside for his contentment. Shankara explains that through the inner instrument purified by absorption, he beholds the Self, the supreme light of consciousness.

This contentment is not the satisfaction of an achievement but of recognising one's own true nature. All outer satisfactions pale before it.

Context

Verse 6.19 described the steady mind through the image of the lamp. This verse, together with 6.21–22, describes the supreme state of yoga, whose conclusion comes in 6.23.

Life lesson

We always look for happiness outside, but deep contentment is found within. Sit quietly for a few moments each day and let thoughts gradually settle; learn to recognise the natural joy that arises in that silence.

Key terms

Niruddha chitta: a mind stilled, free of modifications
Uparama: coming to rest, cessation
Yoga-seva: devoted, continuous practice of yoga
Atma-tushti: contentment in the Self alone