Gita 06.25 – Don’t expect overnight change – determinedly make gradual changes
śanaiḥ śanair uparamed
buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā
ātma-saṁsthaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā
na kiñcid api cintayet (Bg 6.25)
Word-for-word:
śanaiḥ — gradually; śanaiḥ — step by step; uparamet — one should hold back; buddhyā — by intelligence; dhṛti-gṛhītayā — carried by conviction; ātma-saṁstham — placed in transcendence; manaḥ — mind; kṛtvā — making; na — not; kiñcit — anything else; api — even; cintayet — should think of.
Translation:
Gradually, step by step, one should become situated in trance by means of intelligence sustained by full conviction, and thus the mind should be fixed on the Self alone and should think of nothing else.
Explanation:
śanaiḥ śanair uparamet: Gradually, step by step, one should cease (material mental activities)
buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā: with intelligence sustained by firm conviction.
ātma-saṁsthaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā: Fixing the mind upon the self,
na kiñcid api cintayet: one should not contemplate anything else.
This is the process by which Kṛṣṇa explains that one attains yogic perfection. We cannot suddenly leap to the summit of the mountain of yoga; rather, we must ascend gradually, step by step, until we reach the top. Just as a climber cannot scale a mountain in a single stride, one must progress steadily, placing one foot after another, and in this way ultimately reach the peak.
Similarly, if we envision yogic realization or perfection as reaching the summit of a mountain, it is not possible to arrive there in a single leap. One who attempts such a leap may rise a little but will soon become exhausted, slip, and even fall back. Therefore, Kṛṣṇa says śanaiḥ śanair—gradually, step by step. Since our consciousness is entangled in matter and absorbed in the pursuit of material enjoyment, we must patiently and steadily withdraw it from matter (uparamet), raising it step by step toward the spiritual goal.
This is accomplished by buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā—with intelligence strengthened by conviction. Dhṛti refers to determination or steadfastness. Later, in the eighteenth chapter, Kṛṣṇa differentiates between buddhi and dhṛti: He describes buddhi in the three modes of material nature and then dhṛti in the three modes. The essential distinction is that buddhi relates to perceiving the right course of action, while dhṛti pertains to persevering in actually carrying out the right action.
Intelligence sustained by conviction (buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā) essentially means understanding what needs to be done. When we perceive that we are spirit and that our entanglement with matter only brings misery, we resolve not to become absorbed in material pursuits but to turn toward the spiritual.
Intelligence enables us to discern the right course of action, while determination allows us to continue following it. Withdrawing consciousness from matter and fixing it on the self to realize one’s true identity is what Kṛṣṇa indicates by buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā. While intelligence helps us know what is right, without determination (dhṛti), we cannot persevere for long. We may quickly grow exhausted and doubt whether the path will succeed.
Kṛṣṇa further states ātma-saṁsthaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā—the mind is to be fixed on the self. Once this is established, Kṛṣṇa says na kiñcid api cintayet—not even slightly should one think of anything else.
This is necessary, since even the smallest distraction does not remain small. Once we begin to entertain temptation, it gradually grows larger and eventually consumes us. That is why it is best not to give it any room. There is a saying: “Give a camel an inch, and it will take a mile.” The idea is that if we allow someone a small favor, they may encroach far beyond what was intended. Similarly, if we give even a small space to temptation, it does not remain small. The desire we entertain slowly pervades and eventually dominates our consciousness.
It is like someone knocking on a door. If we say, “Who is there? Let me find out,” and allow them inside, they may take control of the room and dictate what happens. In the same way, temptation, if allowed in, does not simply remain at the door—it takes over our mind and compels us to follow its will. That is why Kṛṣṇa emphasizes that it must not be entertained.
If we do not focus on our spiritual identity and purpose, our thoughts begin to wander. One thought leads to another, and eventually we find ourselves absorbed in material matters and sense gratification, following them and falling back from spiritual progress. Therefore, Kṛṣṇa advises not to give any room for such distractions. Instead, fix the mind on the self, and in this way, progress steadily toward life’s supreme perfection through yoga.
How is this verse different from the previous one, where Kṛṣṇa also said: be determined, control the senses, and do not entertain desires? The significance lies in several additions. Here, Kṛṣṇa emphasizes that we should not expect overnight results but must progress gradually, step by step (śanaiḥ śanair).
He also highlights buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā—that intelligence must be grounded in conviction. This phrase is particularly important because without using our intelligence and maintaining both intelligence and determination, we will not be able to persevere on the spiritual path for long.
When we perceive through our senses, we tend to see the path of yoga primarily as one of austerity. We may think, “There is so much difficulty—why am I following this path?” In contrast, the path of sense gratification appears filled with pleasures and enjoyment, prompting thoughts like, “Why am I not indulging in these?”
This is why we need intelligence—to see beyond the surface of things to their true nature. Beyond intelligence, we also need determination (dhṛti), because obstacles and discouragement are inevitable. Hence, niścaya (determination) and dhṛti are closely connected. Kṛṣṇa’s repeated use of niścaya in the previous verse and dhṛti in this verse underscores their essential role in persevering on the spiritual path.
After emphasizing these two points—progressing gradually and practicing with intelligence supported by determination—Kṛṣṇa reiterates the message of ātma-saṁsthaṁ: fix the consciousness on the self, and in this way steadily advance toward perfection.
Thank you.
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