ŚANAIH ŚANAIḤ UPARMET BUDDHYĀ DHṚTIGṚHĪTAYĀ
Dhyana Mantra
Śanaih Sanaiḥ uparmet buddhyā dhṛtigṛhītayā,
Ātmasam̐stham manaḥ kṛtvā
na kiñcidapi cintayet (Gita: 6.15)
Oṃ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ śāntiḥ
With the intellect set in steadiness, with the mind fastened on the Self, let us calm down the mind again and again and attain (quietude by degrees), let us not think of anything.
History
This verse is from the Bhagavad Gītā (Chapter 2, Verse 50–51 context) and classical Sanskrit texts discussing karma yoga and the gradual refinement of intellect and action.
Traditionally, it has been used in Vedantic and yogic commentaries to describe the gradual ascent of the mind and intellect (buddhi) through practice and disciplined effort (abhyāsa).
Recitation or meditation on this verse is intended to train the mind to steady itself in wisdom, patience, and detachment, forming part of the ethical and psychological framework in Yoga and Vedānta.
Historically, it has been cited by Śaṅkarācārya and other Vedantic scholars to emphasize gradual progress in meditation, discrimination, and ethical conduct.
Etymology & Meaning
Word-by-word Breakdown:
Śanaih Śanaiḥ – Slowly, gradually, step by step.
Uparmet – Ascends, rises, develops.
Buddhyā – By intellect, discernment, or conscious understanding.
Dhṛtigṛhītayā – With steadiness, firmness, or controlled patience.
Literal Meaning:
“Gradually, step by step, the intellect rises and progresses when it is controlled and held firmly with patience and steadiness.”
Symbolic Meaning:
Emphasizes incremental progress in wisdom and self-discipline.
Suggests that self-mastery, spiritual growth, and mental clarity cannot be rushed but develop through steady effort and conscious practice.
Benefits
a) Spiritual
Encourages patience and steady effort in spiritual practices.
Supports karma yoga (action with wisdom) and meditation.
Cultivates self-discipline and inner steadiness, essential for higher states of consciousness.
b) Psychological
Promotes gradual cognitive development and emotional stability.
Reduces impulsivity and frustration by emphasizing incremental progress.
Improves focus, patience, and executive control in decision-making.
c) Practical / Yogic
Serves as a guiding principle in meditation, mantra practice, and learning.
Helps structure long-term yogic or spiritual practice plans.
Encourages a stepwise approach to mental refinement and ethical living.
Contraindications / Precautions
No physical contraindications.
Precaution is primarily interpretational:
One must not become overly passive or lethargic, thinking progress will happen “by itself.”
The teaching emphasizes gradual effort with consistent vigilance — neither rushed nor lazy.
Science of the Verse
a) Neuroscience
Gradual, stepwise practice aligns with neuroplasticity principles: small, repeated efforts strengthen neural pathways.
Self-regulation (dhṛtigṛhītayā) strengthens prefrontal cortex function, improving attention, planning, and emotional regulation.
b) Psychology
Stepwise progress reduces cognitive overload and frustration, fostering resilience and sustained motivation.
Reinforces growth mindset: understanding that mastery is a gradual process.
c) Educational Science
Mirrors scaffolded learning, where incremental skill acquisition leads to deeper competence.
Supports experiential learning, combining theory (buddhi) with disciplined action (dhṛti).
d) Yogic/Energy Science
Gradual intellectual and mental refinement allows the prāṇa to settle in the mind, facilitating concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyāna).
Steadiness in buddhi reduces mental turbulence, enhancing subtle energy flow through sushumnā nadi and stabilizing chakras.