Bhagavad Gita 12.9 — If the Mind Will Not Stay Steady, Practise Repeatedly
अथ चित्तं समाधातुं न शक्नोषि मयि स्थिरम् ।
अभ्यासयोगेन ततो मामिच्छाप्तुं धनञ्जय ॥ १२.९ ॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
O Arjuna, if you are unable to fix your mind steadily on Me, then seek to reach Me through the discipline of repeated practice. Krishna is realistic about the restless mind. If immediate, steady absorption is not possible, then the way forward is to practise again and again, patiently drawing the mind back to the Lord.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| atha | if, otherwise |
| chittam | the mind |
| samādhātum | to fix, to establish firmly |
| na | not |
| śhaknoṣhi | you are able |
| mayi | on Me |
| sthiram | steadily, firmly |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| abhyāsa-yogena | by the discipline of repeated practice |
| tataḥ | then |
| mām | Me |
| ichchhā | desire, seek |
| āptum | to attain, to reach |
| dhanañjaya | O Arjuna, winner of wealth |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| atha | if, otherwise | abhyāsa-yogena | by the discipline of repeated practice |
| chittam | the mind | tataḥ | then |
| samādhātum | to fix, to establish firmly | mām | Me |
| na | not | ichchhā | desire, seek |
| śhaknoṣhi | you are able | āptum | to attain, to reach |
| mayi | on Me | dhanañjaya | O Arjuna, winner of wealth |
| sthiram | steadily, firmly | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna now shows great compassion for the ordinary seeker. If one cannot yet keep the mind steadily fixed on Him, he says, there is still a way forward: the discipline of repeated practice. The verse introduces abhyāsa-yoga, the patient practice of bringing the mind back to the Lord again and again.
Essence
When the Mind Will Not Stay
Lord Krishna does not assume that every seeker can immediately do what He asked in the previous verse. He understands the restless nature of the mind and offers a realistic next step. This is the Gita's practical wisdom: the path is arranged in graded stages so that no sincere person is left without a way.
Atha cittaṁ samādhātuṁ na śaknoṣi (if you are unable to fix the mind steadily): The word citta is the field of the mind with its memories, impressions, and tendencies. Samādhātum means to settle or establish firmly. Lord Krishna openly acknowledges that this may not be possible at once, and there is no condemnation in His tone.
Mayi sthiram (steadily upon Me): The difficulty lies in steadiness. The mind may turn toward the Lord for a moment, but the pull of old habits quickly drags it away.
Abhyāsa-yogena (through the yoga of practice): Abhyāsa means repeated, patient effort. It is like training a restless child or a young horse: each time it wanders, it is gently brought back. Through repetition the mind gradually forms a new habit of returning to the Lord, and the habit eventually becomes a natural inclination.
Tato mām icchāptuṁ dhanañjaya (then seek to reach Me, O Dhanañjaya): Here Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna as Dhanañjaya, 'winner of wealth', an affectionate reminder of his capability. He is saying, in effect: you who have conquered so much can certainly train your mind with patient practice. The word icchā, 'desire', indicates that the practice is driven by a heartfelt longing to reach the Lord.
The Power of Gentle Persistence
The secret of abhyāsa is not force but consistency. A drop of water falling again and again can shape stone. In the same way, small daily efforts to remember the Lord reshape the whole inner landscape.
Message for Everyday Life (Building New Mental Habits)
Do not be discouraged by a wandering mind: Almost everyone finds that attention drifts during prayer, study, or meditation. This is not failure; it is the starting point of practice.
Practical approach: Set a fixed time each day for a simple practice such as chanting, reflection, or silent sitting, and each time the mind wanders, return to it patiently without self-criticism. What matters is not how often the mind runs off, but how willingly you bring it back.
When the Mind Will Not Stay
Lord Krishna does not assume that every seeker can immediately do what He asked in the previous verse. He understands the restless nature of the mind and offers a realistic next step. This is the Gita's practical wisdom: the path is arranged in graded stages so that no sincere person is left without a way.
Atha cittaṁ samādhātuṁ na śaknoṣi (if you are unable to fix the mind steadily): The word citta is the field of the mind with its memories, impressions, and tendencies. Samādhātum means to settle or establish firmly. Lord Krishna openly acknowledges that this may not be possible at once, and there is no condemnation in His tone.
Mayi sthiram (steadily upon Me): The difficulty lies in steadiness. The mind may turn toward the Lord for a moment, but the pull of old habits quickly drags it away.
Abhyāsa-yogena (through the yoga of practice): Abhyāsa means repeated, patient effort. It is like training a restless child or a young horse: each time it wanders, it is gently brought back. Through repetition the mind gradually forms a new habit of returning to the Lord, and the habit eventually becomes a natural inclination.
Tato mām icchāptuṁ dhanañjaya (then seek to reach Me, O Dhanañjaya): Here Lord Krishna addresses Arjuna as Dhanañjaya, 'winner of wealth', an affectionate reminder of his capability. He is saying, in effect: you who have conquered so much can certainly train your mind with patient practice. The word icchā, 'desire', indicates that the practice is driven by a heartfelt longing to reach the Lord.
The Power of Gentle Persistence
The secret of abhyāsa is not force but consistency. A drop of water falling again and again can shape stone. In the same way, small daily efforts to remember the Lord reshape the whole inner landscape.
Message for Everyday Life (Building New Mental Habits)
Do not be discouraged by a wandering mind: Almost everyone finds that attention drifts during prayer, study, or meditation. This is not failure; it is the starting point of practice.
Practical approach: Set a fixed time each day for a simple practice such as chanting, reflection, or silent sitting, and each time the mind wanders, return to it patiently without self-criticism. What matters is not how often the mind runs off, but how willingly you bring it back.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has offered abhyāsa-yoga to those who cannot hold the mind steadily on Him. Yet some may feel that even disciplined practice is beyond them at their present stage. In the next verse, Lord Krishna shows a still simpler way: let all one's actions be performed for His sake.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Small steps repeated daily become a long road.
The mind, like a wild horse, is trained by gentle consistency.
Do not scold the wandering mind; guide it home.
Every return to the centre strengthens the way back.
Skill is the sum of countless small repetitions.
Falling short today is not the end of the path.
Practice turns aspiration into ability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 'abhyāsa-yogena' (by the discipline of repeated practice)?
Why does Krishna begin with 'atha' (if)?
What does 'chittam samādhātum' (to fix the mind firmly) mean, and why is it difficult?
Why is Arjuna addressed as 'Dhanañjaya' (winner of wealth)?
What kinds of practice can be included in 'abhyāsa' (repeated practice)?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: