Bhagavad Gita 5.27 — The Preliminary Practice of Dhyāna Yoga
स्पर्शान्कृत्वा बहिर्बाह्यांश्चक्षुश्चैवान्तरे भ्रुवोः ।
प्राणापानौ समौ कृत्वा नासाभ्यन्तरचारिणौ ॥ ५.२७ ॥
By withdrawing the mind from external sense objects, fixing the gaze between the eyebrows, and balancing the movements of prāṇa and apāna within the nostrils, a seeker practices the initial discipline of Dhyāna Yoga.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sparśān | external sense objects |
| kṛtvā | having kept |
| bahiḥ | outside |
| bāhyān | external |
| cakṣuḥ | the gaze |
| ca | and |
| eva | indeed |
| antare | in the space between |
| bhruvoḥ | the two eyebrows |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| prāṇāpānau | the incoming and outgoing breaths |
| samau | equal |
| kṛtvā | having made |
| nāsābhyantaracāriṇau | moving within the nostrils |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| sparśān | external sense objects | prāṇāpānau | the incoming and outgoing breaths |
| kṛtvā | having kept | samau | equal |
| bahiḥ | outside | kṛtvā | having made |
| bāhyān | external | nāsābhyantaracāriṇau | moving within the nostrils |
| cakṣuḥ | the gaze | ||
| ca | and | ||
| eva | indeed | ||
| antare | in the space between | ||
| bhruvoḥ | the two eyebrows | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna begins describing a practical discipline of meditation. He explains how a seeker can gradually withdraw the mind from external distractions and turn it inward.
Essence
Preparing the mind for meditation
Here, Lord Krishna outlines the essential principles for entering meditation. This is not merely a physical technique but a process of redirecting awareness from the outer world toward the inner Self.
Sparśān kṛtvā bahir bāhyān: Meditation begins by temporarily withdrawing attention from external objects and sensory distractions. The seeker consciously sets aside worldly concerns, memories, and plans in order to quiet the mind.
Cakṣuś caivāntare bhruvoḥ: The instruction to gently focus the gaze between the eyebrows is intended to support concentration. It helps reduce the wandering tendency of the mind and encourages inward awareness.
Turning inward: Ordinarily, the mind constantly flows outward through the senses. Meditation reverses this habitual movement, directing attention toward the deeper reality within.
The foundation of concentration: As the senses become quieter and the mind grows more focused, the seeker becomes prepared for deeper states of meditation and Self-realization.
Message for our lives
This verse offers practical guidance for cultivating inner stillness in the midst of a busy world.
Create moments of inward silence: Our minds are constantly occupied with information, responsibilities, and distractions. Setting aside even a few moments each day to disconnect from external stimulation allows the mind to recover its natural clarity.
Training attention: Meditation is not about escaping the world but about learning to direct the mind consciously instead of allowing it to be pulled in every direction. This ability strengthens concentration, emotional balance, and inner peace.
Next Topic
Having explained how the mind should be withdrawn from external distractions, Lord Krishna next describes how the breath, senses, and mind are brought into harmony, preparing the seeker for deep meditation and liberation.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Where attention goes, energy follows.
Stillness begins when distractions lose their hold.
The breath is a bridge between body and mind.
A disciplined attention creates a disciplined life.
Inner quiet emerges when the senses stop chasing the outer world.
Meditation starts by turning inward.
Mastering attention is the foundation of mastering oneself.