Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

Dhyana Yogah - Thus always disciplining the self, the yogi, with mind controlled, attains peace, the supreme bliss of Nirvana that is established in Me.

युञ्जन्नेवं सदात्मानं योगी नियतमानस: |
शान्तिं निर्वाणपरमां मत्संस्थामधिगच्छति ||15||

Thus always disciplining the self, the yogi, with mind controlled, attains peace, the supreme bliss of Nirvana that is established in Me.

Nirvāṇa: Liberation or freedom.
Paramām: Supreme or ultimate.

This verse brings a glimpse of the ultimate goal of yoga—nirvana. The emphasis shifts to attaining a state of eternal peace, revealing the spiritual reward for sustained discipline.

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नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नत: |
न चाति स्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन ||16||

Yoga is not for one who overeats, or for one who eats too little, nor for one who sleeps excessively, or for one who stays awake too long.

Ati: Excessively or too much.
Svapnaśīla: Inclined to excessive sleep.

Krishna advocates moderation in all aspects of life, warning against extremes. This practical advice broadens the appeal of yoga, making it accessible to those who seek a balanced lifestyle.

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Dhyana Yogah - Yoga becomes the destroyer of suffering for one who is moderate in eating and recreation, effort in actions, and in sleep and wakefulness.

युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु |
युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दु:खहा ||17||

Yoga becomes the destroyer of suffering for one who is moderate in eating and recreation, effort in actions, and in sleep and wakefulness.

Yukta: Balanced or disciplined.
Āhāra: Food or intake.
Avabodha: Awareness or knowledge.

Continuing the theme of moderation, this shloka links balance to the alleviation of suffering. It portrays yoga as not just a spiritual practice but also a holistic way to harmonize body and mind.

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यदा विनियतं चित्तमात्मन्येवावतिष्ठते |
नि:स्पृह: सर्वकामेभ्यो युक्त इत्युच्यते तदा ||18||

When the controlled mind rests in the self alone, free from all desires, then one is said to be steadfast in yoga.

Niṣprīhaḥ: Free from desire.
Yukta: Steady or engaged.

This verse explains the state of yoga as one where the mind is steady and desires are absent. It shifts the focus from external actions to internal absorption, showcasing the essence of self-realization.

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यथा दीपो निवातस्थो नेङ्गते सोपमा स्मृता |
योगिनो यतचित्तस्य युञ्जतो योगमात्मन: ||19||

As a lamp in a windless place does not flicker, this simile is used for the yogi with a disciplined mind practicing yoga.

Dīpa: Lamp or light.
Nivāta: Windless or calm place.

The analogy of a lamp in a windless place beautifully illustrates the unwavering mind of a yogi. This imagery captures the stillness achieved through disciplined focus.

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यत्रोपरमते चित्तं निरुद्धं योगसेवया |
यत्र चैवात्मनात्मानं पश्यन्नात्मनि तुष्यति ||20||

When the mind is completely withdrawn through yoga practice, one realizes the self and is content in the self.

Cittaṁ: Mind or consciousness.
Ātmana: Of the self or soul.

Here, the self becomes the object of realization, emphasizing internal contentment. The verse bridges the gap between practice and experience, marking a turning point in the journey of yoga.

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सुखमात्यन्तिकं यत्तद्बुद्धिग्राह्यमतीन्द्रियम् |
वेत्ति यत्र न चैवायं स्थितश्चलति तत्त्वत: ||21||

One experiences boundless joy that can only be grasped by intelligence, and remaining in this state, does not move from the truth.

Buddhi-grāhyam: Perceived by intelligence.
Ati-indriyam: Beyond the senses.

Krishna introduces the concept of transcendental joy, accessible only through higher intelligence. This joy, being unshakable and eternal, differentiates the spiritual from the material.

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