Chapter 6 · 47 verses
Krishna explains meditation as a disciplined practice of attention, moderation, and self-mastery. The meditator prepares a steady seat, regulates habits, and repeatedly brings the wandering mind back. Arjuna admits that the mind is difficult to control; Krishna responds that practice and dispassion support its training.
Central focus
Meditation, moderation, sustained practice, and the compassionate discipline of returning attention.
Chapter outline
- The relation between action, self-discipline, and the inner self
- Preparation and posture for meditation
- Moderation in food, rest, activity, and sleep
- The mind’s movement and the role of practice and dispassion
- The question of the unsuccessful practitioner and the value of continued effort
- The yogi and the many dimensions of spiritual integration
Reading the chapter
Read this chapter in the context of the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna. Notice who is speaking, what question is being answered, and how each teaching develops from the preceding discussion. The chapter’s Sanskrit title is commonly rendered as Dhyana Yoga; English titles vary across editions.
Verse study pathway
This chapter page introduces the chapter’s structure and key ideas. A complete verse-by-verse edition should present each verse with a verified Sanskrit text, IAST transliteration, a clearly credited translation, grammatical and lexical notes, and commentary that distinguishes the wording of the verse from later interpretation. Verse-level entries will be added in sequence after text and translation verification.
Questions for reflection
- Why does the chapter connect meditation with daily habits?
- What practical meaning can abhyāsa and vairāgya have for a modern student?
- How does the teaching respond to discouragement in practice?
Study note
This is an introductory guide, not a claim that all philosophical schools interpret every passage in the same way. Sanskrit terms are retained where an English equivalent would flatten their range of meaning. Comparative interpretations should be attributed to the specific commentators and editions consulted.
Sanskrit verse study: Bhagavad Gita 6.5
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् ।
आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥
uddhared ātmanātmānaṃ nātmānam avasādayet
ātmaiva hy ātmano bandhur ātmaiva ripur ātmanaḥ
Translation for study: One should lift oneself by oneself; one should not let oneself sink. For the self alone can be one’s friend, and the self alone can be one’s adversary.
Key word meanings
- uddharet: one should raise, uplift, or strengthen
- ātmanā: by oneself / through the self
- avasādayet: one should cause to sink or become discouraged
- bandhuḥ: friend, ally, or support
- ripuḥ: enemy or adversary
Interpretive note: The verse encourages disciplined self-cultivation, not blame toward people experiencing hardship. Its surrounding verses discuss mastery of the mind and the role of practice.
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