A core teaching · grounding in mood · a little context helps
“A disciplined mind can rest in devotion without fear.”
The yogi, with a peaceful mind, free of fear, and firm in celibate discipline, restrains the mind, fixes awareness on Me, and sits devoted to Me as the supreme aim.
The verse in reading order — each Sanskrit word with its meaning beneath. Hover a word to focus on it.
Read literallyone whose inner state is peaceful · free from fear · in the vow of celibacy · established · mind · having restrained · with mind on Me · yoked in yoga · should sit · for whom I am the supreme aim
A steady yogi keeps the mind under control, stays free from fear, and turns awareness toward Krishna while sitting in disciplined practice.
Krishna speaks this verse, on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, in the chapter titled "Dhyana Yoga" (The Yoga of Meditation).
Verse 14 sits in Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita — Dhyana Yoga, "The Yoga of Meditation". The chapter has 47 verses in total.
You sit alone before sending the message that could change a relationship. Your chest is tight, your thoughts are racing, and you choose calm restraint before you speak.
Did you like this verse?
It shifts practice from technique alone to the inner conditions that make practice hold.
What this verse means
A steady yogi keeps the mind under control, stays free from fear, and turns awareness toward Krishna while sitting in disciplined practice.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield of Kurukshetra, Krishna keeps guiding Arjuna through meditation. After teaching posture and concentration, he adds the inner conditions: calmness, fearlessness, restraint, and single-pointed devotion. This verse prepares the mind for the deeper peace named in the next one.
Why this verse still matters
You sit alone before sending the message that could change a relationship. Your chest is tight, your thoughts are racing, and you choose calm restraint before you speak.
“Inner steadiness makes devotion possible; fear and distraction fall away together.”
Explore related themes: dhyana (31 verses)