śanaiḥ śanair uparamed buddhyā dhṛti-gṛhītayā ātma-saṁsthaṁ manaḥ kṛtvā na kiñcid api cintayet
"...gradually, step by step, let one attain stillness through the intellect held firm in patience. Having fixed the mind on the Self, let one not think of anything else."
What This Means:
Go slowly—step by step. Use patient intelligence to become still. Place the mind firmly in the Self and don't think about anything else. Gradual progress with patience is the way.
Going Deeper:
Shanai shanai (slowly, slowly) counters spiritual impatience. Dhriti (patience/fortitude) held by buddhi creates sustainable progress. Atma-samstha mana (mind established in Self) is the goal; na kinchit api chintayet (think of nothing at all) describes the method.
How To Apply This:
Don't rush. Spiritual development takes time—accept this. When thoughts arise in meditation, gently return to awareness itself (the Self), not to another thought. Patient, gradual practice is more effective than forceful effort.
Key Sanskrit Terms: