5.28 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 5, Verse 28

Bhagavad Gita verse 5.28 reveals a profound meditation practice for achieving liberation. In this verse, Krishna describes how a transcendentalist can attain moksha (liberation) through disciplined control of the senses, mind, and breath. This verse serves as a bridge between Krishna's earlier teachings on liberation through understanding the Supersoul and the upcoming detailed explanation of aṣṭāṅga-yoga in Chapter Six.

The verse begins with instructions on sensory withdrawal - "shutting out all external sense objects" - which means consciously turning one's attention away from the distractions of the physical world. This practice of pratyahara (sense withdrawal) is essential for anyone seeking to discover their true nature beyond the constant bombardment of sensory stimuli. By withdrawing from external distractions, the practitioner can begin the journey inward.

Krishna then provides specific meditation techniques, including keeping "the eyes and vision concentrated between the two eyebrows" - a focal point commonly known as the ajna chakra or the third eye center. This concentration point helps the meditator maintain awareness without succumbing to drowsiness (which can happen when eyes are fully closed) or distraction (when eyes remain open). This visual focus serves as an anchor for the wandering mind.

Breath regulation forms another crucial component of this practice. The verse mentions "suspending the inward and outward breaths within the nostrils," referring to pranayama techniques where the practitioner equalizes and controls the breath. This balanced breathing calms the nervous system and creates the internal conditions necessary for deep meditation. When breath becomes steady, the mind naturally follows, creating the foundation for higher states of consciousness.

Beyond these physical techniques, Krishna emphasizes the importance of emotional purification. The successful transcendentalist becomes "free from desire, fear and anger". These three emotions represent significant obstacles on the spiritual path. Desire perpetuates attachment to worldly outcomes, fear arises from insecurity and attachment, and anger clouds judgment and disrupts inner peace. By transcending these emotional states, the practitioner removes the primary barriers to liberation.

What makes this verse particularly powerful is Krishna's declaration that one who maintains this state of controlled senses, regulated breath, and emotional balance "is certainly liberated". This statement reveals that liberation isn't merely a post-death achievement but a present possibility. The sage who remains established in this disciplined awareness experiences moksha in the here and now, not as a future promise but as a living reality.

Ultimately, verse 5.28 offers a comprehensive meditation practice that integrates physical posture, sensory discipline, breath control, and emotional purification. It reminds us that liberation comes not through external seeking but through internal mastery. By turning our attention inward, regulating our life energy through breath, and transcending the turbulence of desire, fear, and anger, we can experience the freedom and peace that is our true nature - a state of being that Krishna affirms is nothing less than liberation itself.