Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

श्रीभगवानुवाच असंशयं महाबाहो मनो दुर्निग्रहं चलम् |
अभ्यासेन तु कौन्तेय वैराग्येण च गृह्यते ||35||

Undoubtedly, O Mighty-armed, the mind is restless and difficult to control, but it can be mastered by practice and detachment.

Abhyāsena: Through practice.
Vairāgya: Detachment or renunciation.

Krishna reassures Arjuna that with consistent practice and detachment, even the restless mind can be controlled. This verse emphasizes hope and effort in overcoming obstacles.

Bookmark removed

असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मति: |
वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायत: ||36||

For one whose mind is uncontrolled, yoga is difficult to attain, but for one with a controlled mind and striving, it is possible.

Asaṁyata: Uncontrolled or unrestrained.
Vaśyātmanaḥ: One with controlled mind.

The importance of self-mastery is reiterated here, showing that yoga is attainable for those who strive sincerely. Krishna highlights personal discipline as the key to success.

Bookmark removed

अर्जुन उवाच अयति: श्रद्धयोपेतो योगाच्चलितमानस: |
अप्राप्य योगसंसिद्धिं कां गतिं कृष्ण गच्छति ||37||

O Krishna, what is the fate of the one who is unsuccessful in yoga, though endowed with faith and has strayed from the path?

Ayatiḥ: One lacking effort or striving.
Śraddhayā: With faith or devotion.

Arjuna raises a profound question about the fate of those who falter on the spiritual path. This verse reflects the vulnerability of seekers striving for higher realization.

Bookmark removed

कच्चिन्नोभयविभ्रष्टश्छिन्नाभ्रमिव नश्यति |
अप्रतिष्ठो महाबाहो विमूढो ब्रह्मण: पथि ||38||

Falling from both, without support, like a broken cloud, does he perish, confused in the path of the Brahman?

Chinnābhram: Broken cloud.
Apratiṣṭhaḥ: Without foundation or support.

The imagery of a broken cloud symbolizes the uncertainty of spiritual progress. Arjuna’s concern points to the fear of failure in the yogic journey, inviting Krishna’s insight.

Bookmark removed

एतन्मे संशयं कृष्ण छेत्तुमर्हस्यशेषत: |
त्वदन्य: संशयस्यास्य छेत्ता न ह्युपपद्यते ||39||

This is my doubt, O Krishna. You alone can remove it completely, for no one other than You can resolve this doubt.

Saṁśaya: Doubt or uncertainty.
Chettā: Remover or resolver.

Arjuna’s complete surrender of doubt reflects his reliance on Krishna’s wisdom. This verse transitions the dialogue into a resolution of uncertainties about spiritual striving.

Bookmark removed

श्रीभगवानुवाच पार्थ नैवेह नामुत्र विनाशस्तस्य विद्यते |
न हि कल्याणकृत्कश्चिद्दुर्गतिं तात गच्छति ||40||

O Partha, there is no destruction for him in this world or the next. A person engaged in virtuous actions never meets with misfortune.

Kalyāṇa-kṛt: Performer of good deeds.
Durgatiṁ: Misfortune or downfall.

Krishna reassures Arjuna that no effort on the spiritual path is ever wasted. This verse encourages perseverance, highlighting the eternal value of sincere efforts.

Bookmark removed

Dhyana Yogah - Having attained the worlds of the virtuous and residing there for many years, one who has strayed from yoga is born in a virtuous and prosperous family.

प्राप्य पुण्यकृतां लोकानुषित्वा शाश्वती: समा: |
शुचीनां श्रीमतां गेहे योगभ्रष्टोऽभिजायते ||41||

Having attained the worlds of the virtuous and residing there for many years, one who has strayed from yoga is born in a virtuous and prosperous family.

Śucīnām: Of the virtuous.
Śrīmatām: Of the prosperous or wealthy.

The idea of rebirth in a virtuous or spiritually advanced family introduces the continuity of spiritual progress. Krishna depicts life as a continuum of opportunities for growth.

Bookmark removed