Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

अर्जुन उवाच योऽयं योगस्त्वया प्रोक्त: साम्येन मधुसूदन |
एतस्याहं न पश्यामि चञ्चलत्वात्स्थितिं स्थिराम् ||33||

O Krishna, this yoga of equality that You have expounded, I do not see its stability due to the restlessness of the mind.

Caṅcalatvāt: Due to restlessness or instability.
Sāmyeṇa: With equality or balance.

Arjuna’s doubt about yoga reflects the challenges practitioners face with mental instability. This verse introduces the tension between theory and practice in spiritual growth.

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चञ्चलं हि मन: कृष्ण प्रमाथि बलवद्दृढम् |
तस्याहं निग्रहं मन्ये वायोरिव सुदुष्करम् ||34||

The mind is unsteady, turbulent, and powerful, O Krishna. I think restraining it is as difficult as controlling the wind.

Pramāthi: Agitating or turbulent.
Vāyuḥ: Wind or air.

Arjuna’s analogy of the mind to the wind illustrates its uncontainable nature. This heartfelt confession sets the stage for Krishna’s practical advice on overcoming mental struggles.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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