Meditation · Beginner

How to Meditate - the Bhagavad Gita Way (Dhyana)

Chapter 6 of the Gita gives a simple, practical meditation method. Here it is in plain steps.

  • A calmer, steadier mind
  • Better focus and sleep
  • Less reactivity to stress

How to do it

  1. Choose a clean, quiet place (Gita 6.11).
  2. Sit on a firm seat that is neither too high nor too low - a folded blanket on the floor or a chair is fine.
  3. Keep your body, neck and head in one straight, relaxed line (Gita 6.13).
  4. Let your eyes rest half-closed, softly looking down.
  5. Breathe slowly and naturally. Bring your attention to one point - the breath, or a calm word.
  6. When the mind wanders, gently bring it back - again and again, without frustration (Gita 6.26).
  7. Start with 5 minutes a day and grow slowly.
Go gently: If strong emotions or old memories come up, open your eyes, breathe normally, and keep sessions short.
From the Vedic texts · Bhagavad Gita 6.10-6.26

The Gita teaches: a quiet place, a steady seat, an upright body, a one-pointed mind - and patience. 'Little by little', it says, the mind becomes still (6.25).

Try next

This is general wellness information, not medical advice. Move slowly, never force a pose or a breath, and stop if you feel pain, dizziness or breathlessness. If you are pregnant, have high blood pressure, heart, lung or eye conditions, or recent surgery, ask your doctor before starting.