“There, with mind focused, controlling thoughts, senses, and activities, one should meditate to purify the self.”
Key Teaching: Focused meditation purifies the self by controlling mind and senses.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that, in the prepared space, a yogi should meditate with a focused mind, controlling thoughts, senses, and activities to purify the self. This verse, continuing 6.11, addresses Arjuna’s distraction (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies purification, and Dhyana Yoga, as he emphasizes focus, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s scattered mind (1.28–46) obstructs his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s uncontrolled actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to focus for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 5.11).
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human lack of focus, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on selfcontrol (5.11, 5.28). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to purify through meditation. The theme of Dhyana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on mental purification.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its disciplined clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s distractions, where focus purifies. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with meditative control, aligning with liberation.
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