
12
CHAPTER
VERSE
9
अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम् |
अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय || 12.9 ||
atha cittaṁ samādhātuṁ na śaknoṣi mayi sthiram
abhyāsa-yogena tato mām icchāptuṁ dhanañjaya ||
If you cannot steady your mind steadily upon Me, then seek to attain Me through the yoga of practice, O Arjuna.
Lesson:
Shri Krishna advises Arjuna on the path of devotion and self-discipline. The verse emphasizes the importance of steadying the mind upon the divine, but also acknowledges that this can be challenging for many individuals. Krishna suggests an alternative approach for those who find it difficult to maintain unwavering focus – the practice of yoga.
The term "chittam" refers to the mind or consciousness, and "samadhatum" means to establish or fix. Krishna encourages Arjuna to stabilize his mind and focus it entirely on the divine presence. However, recognizing the inherent restlessness of the mind, Krishna offers the option of "abhyasa yoga," which involves consistent practice and effort towards spiritual growth.
Abhyasa yoga entails disciplining the mind through regular meditation, prayer, and devotion. By engaging in spiritual practices consistently, one can gradually train the mind to turn towards the divine effortlessly. Krishna assures Arjuna that sincere effort and consistent practice will eventually lead him to union with the Supreme.
This verse underscores the versatility of the spiritual journey and offers practical advice for seekers striving to attain divine realization. It highlights the importance of perseverance and dedication on the spiritual path, reassuring individuals that even if they encounter challenges in maintaining focus, sincere effort and dedication will ultimately lead them to spiritual fulfilment.