Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8 Verse 12: The Practice of Internal Concentration

Minutes to read.

Introduction

In Bhagavad Gita Chapter 8, Verse 12, the Speaker describes the discipline required for the specific method of worship (Padam) mentioned in the previous verse. This involves the regulation of the senses and the focusing of the life-breath (Prana) and mind to enter a state of deep spiritual meditation.

Sanskrit Shlok (Original Verse)

Word-for-Word Meaning (Sanskrit to English)

• Sarva-dvarani: All the gates of the senses (eyes, ears, etc.)
• Samyamya: Controlling / Regulating
• Manah: The mind
• Hridi: In the heart
• Nirudhya: Confining / Steadying
• Cha: And
• Murdhni: In the head / Brain
• Adhaya: Fixing / Establishing
• Atmanah: Of the Supreme Soul / In the meditation of God
• Pranam: Life-breath / Vital energy
• Asthitah: Situated / Established
• Yoga-dharanam: In the state of spiritual concentration (Yoga)

English Translation

The Blessed Lord said: Having regulated all the gates of the senses, steadying the mind within the heart, and establishing the life-breath in the head, the seeker remains situated in the concentration of Yoga (meditation on God).

Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अनुवाद)

श्री भगवानुवाच: जो भक्ति पद्धति बताने जा रहा हूँ, उसमें साधक सर्व इन्द्रियों के द्वारों को नियमित करके, मन को हृदय में तथा स्वासों (प्राणों) को मस्तिष्क में स्थिर करके, परमात्मा के ध्यान में स्थापित होकर योग धारण (साधना) में स्थित होता है।

Detailed Commentary & Analysis (Bhavarth)

According to the deep insights provided on holybhagavadgita.com:

1. The Technique of Swas-Simran: This verse hints at the practice of Satnam. In this practice, the breath (Pawan) and the attention (Surti) are synchronized. The seeker uses the breath to vibrate the mantra between the two focal points: the heart and the head.
2. The Two Residences:
3. The Head (Murdhni): The syllable 'Om' (Mantra of Brahm) is practiced focusing toward the Sahasra Chakra located in the brain/head.
4. The Heart (Hridi): The Supreme Almighty (Purna Brahm) resides specifically in the heart, reflecting His presence like the sun in water.

1. Regulating the Senses: "Samyamya" does not mean forcefully shutting the eyes or ears, but rather regulating the input so the mind is not distracted by the material world during the practice of the "True Name."
2. Limited Knowledge of the Speaker: It is important to note that the Speaker (Kaal Brahm) is only providing a brief sketch of this method. As noted in Verse 13, his own personal mantra is limited to a single syllable, while the full method for the Supreme God involves more.

Why This Translation is Different

Most commentators treat this verse as a physical "Hatha Yoga" instruction. However, at holybhagavadgita.com, we emphasize that this is a Spiritual Practice. The focus on the heart and head is essential because those are the "stations" where the soul connects with the different powers (Brahm and Purna Brahm). Understanding this "internal geography" is vital for the correct practice of Satnam.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why are the heart and head mentioned specifically? A1: The heart is the dwelling place of the Supreme Soul, and the head (Sahasra Kamal) is the station of the Brahm (the Speaker of Gita). The meditation involves both to achieve complete spiritual alignment.

Q2: What is "Yoga Dharanam" in this context? A2: It is the unwavering state of mind where the seeker is fully absorbed in the remembrance (Simran) of the True Mantra through the breath.