Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 6.19

“As a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, so is the yogi’s controlled mind, practicing selffocused yoga.”
Key Teaching: A yogi’s controlled mind is steady, like a lamp in a windless place.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna compares a yogi’s controlled mind, practicing selffocused yoga, to a lamp that does not flicker in a windless place. This verse, building on 6.18, addresses Arjuna’s lack of mental discipline (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies mental steadiness, and Dhyana Yoga, as he emphasizes focused meditation, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s wavering mind (1.28–46) hinders his Kshatriya duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s unstable ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to steady his mind through meditation, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 6.10). The lamp metaphor illustrates unwavering focus.

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human tendency for mental agitation, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on selfcontrol (6.10–14). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to achieve steadiness. The theme of Dhyana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on meditative stability for liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its poetic clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s mental turbulence, where a controlled mind ensures stability. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with meditative focus, aligning with spiritual liberation.