Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 6 Dhyana Yogah

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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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.

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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.

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अथवा योगिनामेव कुले भवति धीमताम् |
एतद्धि दुर्लभतरं लोके जन्म यदीदृशम् ||42||

Or, he is born in the family of wise yogis, which indeed is a rare birth in this world.

Yoginām: Of the yogis.
Dhīmatām: Of the wise or intelligent.

Being born in the family of yogis is described as rare and fortunate. This shloka highlights the advantage of an environment conducive to spiritual development.

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तत्र तं बुद्धिसंयोगं लभते पौर्वदेहिकम् |
यतते च ततो भूय: संसिद्धौ कुरुनन्दन ||43||

There, he regains the intellect acquired in his previous life and strives harder for perfection, O descendant of Kuru.

Buddhi-saṁyogaṁ: Union of intellect.
Paurva-dehikam: Belonging to the previous body.

Krishna explains how past impressions propel one toward perfection in yoga. This verse assures that no effort on the spiritual path is ever lost, inspiring hope.

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