Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: All About Meditation (Chapter 6)

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In the sixth chapter of the Bhagavad gita, Lord Sri Krsna extols the virtues of the yogi (seeker) who is able to constantly abide in the knowledge of the Self. Sri Krsna begins by recapitulating the teachings of the previous chapter where he tells Arjuna that the seeker is one who has renounced the fruits of the actions and not the actions themselves. This allows the mind to constantly engage with the Self, aided through the practice of meditation.

For successfully practicing meditation, Sri Krsna gives detailed guidance as to location, posture and method. He also advocates the practice of moderation in daily habits to allow the steady transcendence of the mind into the higher. Si Krsna then goes to clarify the doubts Arjuna has as to whether the mind - which is by nature restless can be made single- pointed; and what is the fate of those who fail to realise the Self in spite of their faith and efforts.

Sri Krsna concludes by proclaiming, that of all the seekers, the one who is liberated while living is the best among seekers.

With this chapter we are coming to the close of a definite section in the scheme of thought in the Gita. This is the opinion of some of the well-known critics and students of the Lord's Song. According to them the entire eighteen chapters of the Gita can fall into three definite sections, each of six chapters, and they group themselves to expound the implications and significances of the sacred Vaidika mantra 'tat tvam asi' - 'That thou art.' The first six chapters together constitute in their contents an explanation of the philosophical significance indicated by the word 'Thou' (tvam). In the general scheme of thought developed in that section, the contents of the sixth chapter constitute a fitting conclusion.

Lord Krsna painted the philosophical perfection, which is the theme of all the Upanisads, in a language almost foreign to Arjuna, in quick strokes. He concluded that chapter with a vivid and expressive picture of a Saint of Perfection and mental equipoise. Naturally, the interest of a seeker is excited and he seeks to find means and methods. by which he too, can grow within himself and reach those diviner heights of self-control and equipoise.