Verse-19
Chapter 6 — Atma Sanyam Yoga
Verse 19
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
yathā dīpo nivātastho neńgate sopamā smṛtā
yogino yatacittasya yuñjato yogamātmanaḥ
🕉 English Translation
Hava puree tarah jahan band ho,
Hile na wahan jalte deepak ki loh.
Jita hai mann jisne veh yogi bhi,
Kare mann ko sthir atman mein yuhin.
📜 Translation
English
Just as in a windless place the light of lamp does not flicker, a simile is used to describe the state of mind of one who has subdued it and is engaged in the practice of yoga.
This is an extremely appropriate illustration! To show and describe the propensity of a straight, motionless and stable state of mind a simile has been used in place of which an example could also have been given of an immovable object like mountain, etc. Why has the example of the flame of the lamp been taken up? Because it was appropriate. Mountain is by its very nature is immovable; it will remain immobile. But the flame of the lamp by its very nature flickers. Try to experiment with this and use this verse of the Gita as a practical experience. Light a lamp or a candle. First, take it to the place where the wind is blowing. You will observe the flame of the lamp flickering, vibrating. Then take it to the place where there is no apparent movement of the wind and observe the light of the lamp there! Observe carefully that the flame of the lamp will be straight, upward and almost motionless.
Now sit for meditation after this experiment. First, decide that the mental inclination has to rise higher in a similar manner. The wind of resolutions and counter-resolutions, desires, cravings should not cause this inclination to waver. The state should be devoid of resolutions and counter-resolutions, thoughts and agitations! See and experience and you will observe that this expression of the Gita can be felt in the inner spirit. The mental state should be straight, immovable, rising upward and concentrated! The state of being beyond the mire of the thoughts of the sensual objects, the uncertainty caused by worries; move further...and further...keep on experiencing the wonderful divinity of Gita's yoga of meditation.