With a serene mind, free from fear, established in the vow of celibacy (brahmacharya), controlling the mind, the yogi should sit in meditation with the mind fixed on Me, regarding Me as the supreme goal.
Synthesis
Serene, fearless, established in brahmacharya, controlling the mind — the yogi should meditate thinking of Me as the supreme goal. The Advaita tradition sees this as concentration on Brahman. Ramanuja teaches meditation directed toward the Lord. The Bhakti tradition values God-focused meditation. Madhvacharya teaches proper direction — toward the Lord. Abhinavagupta sees consciousness turning toward its own source. Vallabhacharya teaches God's presence banishes anxiety. Tilak reads accessible daily practice. Vivekananda emphasizes fearlessness as the prerequisite for concentration.
Commentaries 8 traditions
Shankara explains that the yogi should sit with a tranquil mind, free from fear, observing brahmacharya as a means of conserving vital energy for meditation. The mind should be fixed on 'Me' — the Supreme Self — as the ultimate reality, recognizing no separate personal God but the one Brahman.
Apply This Verse
Personal Growth
Having a clear focal point in meditation — whether an ideal, a principle, or a higher power — gives the mind somewhere to rest. Meditation without an object often just produces more mental noise.
Questions this verse answers
- ?"What should I focus on during meditation?"
- ?"How do I cultivate fearlessness?"
- ?"What role does devotion play in meditation?"
- ?"How do I find inner peace before meditating?"