Yada sanharate cayam kurmo 'nganiva sarvashah, indriyanindriyarthebhyas tasya prajna pratishthita
One who is able to withdraw the senses from their objects, just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, is established in divine wisdom.
- •Sense control is essential
- •Withdraw from external distractions
- •Inner stability through discipline
Samam kaya-shiro-grivam dharayann achalam sthirah, samprekshya nasikagram svam dishas chanavalokayan
Hold the body, head, and neck erect, still, and motionless. Gaze steadily at the tip of the nose, without looking in any direction.
- •Physical stillness supports meditation
- •Steady posture aids concentration
- •External stability reflects inner focus
Yato yato nishcharati manash chanchalam asthiram, tatas tato niyamyaitad atmany eva vasham nayet
Whenever and wherever the restless and unsteady mind wanders, one should bring it back to focus on the self.
- •The mind will wander—this is natural
- •Gently bring it back again and again
- •Practice patience with yourself
Mayy eva mana ādhatsva mayi buddhiṁ niveśhaya, nivasiṣhyasi mayy eva ata ūrdhvaṁ na sanśhayaḥ
Fix your mind on Me alone and let your intellect dwell upon Me. Thereafter, you shall certainly live in Me. Of this, there is no doubt.
- •Complete mental focus on God
- •Intellect aligned with devotion
- •Assurance of divine union