Loading...
Current layer: Translation
Chapter 8 • Verse 11
The Yoga of the Imperishable Absolute
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes the yogic practice: 'Sarva-dvarani samyamya'—restraining (samyamya) all (sarva) the gates (dvarani) of the body. This means closing all the sense doors—eyes, ears, nose, mouth, skin. 'Mano hridi nirudhya cha'—confining (nirudhya) the mind (manah) within (hridi) the heart (cha). The mind is withdrawn from external objects and focused within. 'Murdhny adhayatmanah pranam'—fixing (adhaya) the life force (pranam) of the self (atmanah) in the head (murdhni). 'Asthito yoga-dharanam'—established (asthitah) in yogic concentration (yoga-dharanam). This is the complete practice: close all sense doors, withdraw the mind to the heart, fix the life force in the head, and establish yogic concentration. This is the practice for remembering Krishna at death—complete withdrawal and concentration.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
This verse describes the yogic practice: closing all sense doors, withdrawing the mind to the heart, fixing the life force in the head, and establishing yogic concentration. This is the complete practice for remembering Krishna at death—not just thinking about Krishna, but complete withdrawal from the senses and deep concentration. This is how you prepare for death: not just occasional remembrance, but complete withdrawal and concentration. The practice is profound: close all sense doors, withdraw the mind, fix the life force, and concentrate. This is the culmination of all daily practice—everything comes together in complete withdrawal and concentration.
Personal Reflection
Are you practicing complete withdrawal from the senses? Are you withdrawing your mind to the heart? Are you fixing your life force and establishing concentration? How are you preparing for the complete withdrawal at death?
Shortcuts
←/→ Verses
↑/↓ Layers