yadā viniyataṁ cittam ātmany evāvatiṣṭhate niḥspṛhaḥ sarva-kāmebhyo yukta ity ucyate tadā
"When the perfectly controlled mind rests in the Self alone, free from longing for all desires—then one is said to be established in yoga."
What This Means:
Yoga is achieved when your disciplined mind rests entirely in the Self, with no craving for anything else. That's the state of being 'yukta'—established, connected.
Going Deeper:
The chitta (mind-stuff) that usually scatters outward toward objects becomes 'viniyata' (perfectly controlled) and 'avatishthate' (abides) in atman (Self). Nispriha (without longing) describes the natural state when the Self is found—desires lose their pull.
How To Apply This:
In meditation, notice when the mind settles into simple awareness, not reaching for anything. These moments of contentment without object are tastes of what Krishna describes. Cultivate and extend them.
Key Sanskrit Terms: