The Yoga of Meditation

Krishna begins the meditation guidelines by describing the ideal conditions for practice. 'Yogī yuñjīta satatam ātmānaṁ'—a yogi should constantly (satatam) engage (yuñjīta) the self (ātmānaṁ) in meditation. This means: meditation isn't occasional—it's a constant practice, a continuous engagement. 'Rahasi sthitaḥ'—remaining (sthitaḥ) in seclusion (rahasi). This means: a quiet, private place free from distractions. 'Ekākī'—alone, solitary. This means: solitude is necessary for deep meditation. 'Yata-cittātmā'—with controlled (yata) mind (citta) and self (ātmā). This means: the mind and body must be disciplined, controlled, focused. 'Nirāśīr aparigrahaḥ'—free from desires (nirāśīḥ) and possessions (aparigrahaḥ). This means: you can't meditate deeply if you're attached to desires or material things. These are the prerequisites: seclusion, solitude, controlled mind, freedom from desires and possessions.