विवेचन सारांश
The Yogi attains infinite happiness from within, through connecting with the Paramātmā
The third session of the chapter began with the Deep Prajwalan (Lighting of the lamp) and salutations by means of following prayers for Swami Giri Maharaj Ji and the divine:
Guru Saakshaata Parabrahma, Tasmai Shri Guruve Namah ||
oṁ krṣṇāya vāsudevāya haraye paramātmane॥
praṇata: kleśanāśāya goviṁdāya namo nama:॥
This mantra is an invocation and a way to offer reverential salutations to Lord Krishna, recognizing him as the remover of sufferings and the Supreme Soul.
Om Parthaya prathi bodhithm bhagawataa naaraayanena swayam,
Vyasaena gratitaam Puraana muninaa madhye Mahabaratam ||
Advaitamruta varshaneem bhagawteem ashta dashaa dhyayineem,
Ambaa twaam anusandadhaami bhagavad geete bhava dweshineem. ||
Om Shri Gurave Namaha ||
Om Krishnaya Namah ||
Hariom ||
In the last session we were at a point where Bhagavān tells two important rules that a yogi should follow:
yuktāhāra-vihārasya yukta-cheṣhṭasya karmasu
yukta-svapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkha-hā ||6.17||
Bhagavān talks about moderation in every form, be it eating, recreation, work and sleep. Such people can mitigate all sorrows by practicing Yoga. Swami Ji often emphasizes that we should keep ourselves away from Ati Yoga (excessive practice). The Sanskrit word for food is Anna. In some scriptures, Anna is defined as something that can be eaten. However, if consumed in excess, it can, in turn, consume us. Therefore, we must be mindful. As we strive to become Yogis, we should reflect: Are we eating the food, or is the food eating us? What are our eating habits? Are they harming us?
In the previous session, we saw that Bhagavān emphasized that our state of mind should be like a Jyoti (flame) in a windless place. He used this comparison because within each of us resides the Atma Jyoti—the divine inner light. When the disturbances of the external world cease, a person's Jyoti remains as steady as a flame burning in a place free from wind.
yadā viniyataṁ chittam ātmanyevāvatiṣhṭhate
niḥspṛihaḥ sarva-kāmebhyo yukta ityuchyate tadā||6.18||
yathā dīpo nivāta-stho neṅgate sopamā smṛitā
yogino yata-chittasya yuñjato yogam ātmanaḥ||18.19||
6.20
yatropaRāmate cittaṃ(n), niruddhaṃ(m) yogasevayā,
yatra caivātmanātmānaṃ(m), paśyannātmani tuṣyati. 6.20
A yogi becomes “uparamate” with reduced interest in worldly affairs. For most of us interests change with time and as we mature. For instance, a child is fascinated with watching cartoon movies. As he grows older he gets interested in other kinds of movies. But after some time his fascination wanes as he gets more interested in other things like his career, etc. Similarly, as a yogi matures in his Sādhanā, he loses interest in worldly affairs and becomes interested only in God.
“Niruddham yogasevaya” describes a yogi’s mental state appropriately. “Niruddha” is an important word in yoga. Patanjali’s very first Yoga Sutra defines yoga as “Yoga Chitta Vritti Nirodha”. Yoga is the stilling of the mind’s fluctuations, allowing one to experience Ultimate Reality and move toward Self-realization. The natural tendency of the mind is to move here and there. “Niruddha” is controlling it or restraining it. Patanjali describes five different states of “Chitta” or the mind.
- Kshipta: Monkey Mind The first yogic state of consciousness is Kshipta, or monkey mind
- Mudha: Donkey Mind The second state, Mudha, is characterized by dullness and laziness like a donkey's mind
- Vikshipta: Butterfly Mind Vikshipta is the third state of mind and can be described as a distracted or butterfly mind
- Ekagra: Crane Mind
- Niruddha: Mastered Mind
sukhamātyantikaṃ(m) yattad, buddhigrāhyamatīndriyam,
vetti yatra na caivāyaṃ(m), sthitaścalati tattvataḥ. 6.21
yaṃ(m) labdhvā cāparaṃ(m) lābhaṃ(m), manyate nādhikaṃ(n) tataḥ,
yasminsthito na duḥkhena, guruṇāpi vicālyate. 6.22
taṃ vidyād duḥkhasaṃyoga, viyogaṃ(m) yogasaṃjñitam,
sa niścayena yoktavyo, yogo'nirviṇṇacetasā. 6.23
- samatvaṁ yoga uchyate ||2.48||: Yoga is the practice of equanimity, maintaining balance among all people.
- yogaḥ karmasu kauśhalam ||2.50||: Yoga is the art of performing one’s duties with skill and efficiency.
- taṃ vidyād duḥkhasaṃyoga, viyogaṃ(m) yogasaṃjñitam ||6.23||:—Yoga is the power to disconnect from suffering, a state where even severe pain cannot affect the Yogi.
This state of Yoga grants an inner strength that completely severs a person from all forms of suffering. When one is connected with Brahma Tattva, there is no room for pessimism, and sorrow cannot touch him.
At times, it may seem difficult to believe that such a state is possible—where one becomes entirely untouched by unhappiness. However, it is important to understand that pain and sorrow cannot be eradicated from the world itself. As human beings, we are bound to experience suffering at different points in life. But Yoga elevates a person to such a state that suffering can no longer affect him. He becomes shielded from its impact, attaining a level of inner peace where external difficulties lose their power over him. To illustrate, consider the story of a king who, upon being pricked by a thorn in his garden, ordered the entire ground to be covered with satin. His minister wisely suggested that he simply wear sturdy shoes instead. Similarly, yoga acts as a protective shield against life's inevitable sufferings.
How can this state be achieved?
Bhagavān further explains that a true seeker of Yoga remains unwavering in his practice (sa niścayena yoktavyo, yogo’nirviṇṇa-cetasā). Under any circumstances, such a person does not allow his discipline to break. He is self-motivated, possessing a mind so steady and determined that no obstacle can deter him from attaining Yoga.
A perfect example of such determination is Samarth Ramdas Swami. From a young age, his approach to Yoga was marked by immense dedication and perseverance. At just 12 years old, he resolved to study all the scriptures and embarked on intense penance—performing crores of japas, surviving on bhiksha (alms), and rigorously following spiritual disciplines. He borrowed scriptures from other Yogis and meticulously made handwritten copies for his own study, demonstrating his relentless pursuit of knowledge and spiritual growth.
Similarly, Hanuman ji, when unable to locate Sita, momentarily felt despair. But through self-motivation and by invoking Śrī Rama’s name, he overcame his doubts, and fulfilled his mission with extraordinary strength and success.
What prevents us from being as determined as these yogis? The difference lies in desires. While we often find ourselves distracted in life, Yogis remain steadfast in their path.
saṅkalpaprabhavānkāmāṃs, tyaktvā sarvānaśeṣataḥ,
manasaivendriyagrāmaṃ(m), viniyamya ṣamantataḥ. 6.24
Bhagavān explains that it is our desires that divert us from the path of Yoga. We begin something with enthusiasm, but soon, a new thought arises, leading us to abandon our initial pursuit and chase after something else. These desires must be restrained in order to stay on the path. For example, during a Vivechan session, after 30–40 minutes, our concentration starts to wane. Thoughts like ‘it’s dinner time’ creep into our minds, triggering hunger and distracting us. Similarly, many people wish to study the Bhagavad Gītā, yet they struggle to prioritize it. Work, personal interests, and worldly distractions take precedence. Even when we have enough for ourselves, the urge to shop arises. What is it that keeps us so easily distracted? The answer lies in the word sankalpa.
Bhagavān says:
saṅkalpaprabhavān kāmān—Desires originate from sankalpa (mental resolutions and thoughts).
It is our uncontrolled sankalpas that fuel desires, pulling us away from Yoga and inner peace. Śrī Krishna explains that desires make us deviate from our path. One desire leads to another. We should abandon all material desires in order to engage in the practice of yoga. This could be japa, suryanamaskar, or other upasanas or forms of worship. We should do practice this for some time. Patanjali also recommends that we should do sadhana for a longer time. Even if the woods are lovely, dark and deep we should always remember that there are promises to ourselves that we need to keep. We need to exercise control over our mind and restrain ourselves from giving in to temptations. Then there is a niggling self-doubt about how long it will take to achieve our goal. This may also deter us from pursuing our goal with determination over a sustained period of time.
śanaiḥ(s) śanairuparamed, buddhyā dhṛtigṛhītayā,
ātmasaṃsthaṃ(m) manaḥ(kh) kṛtvā, na kiñcidapi cintayet. 6.25
- Control of the mind at the stage of emotions or bhavana.
- Control through patience, faith and conviction.
- Control through vichara shakti or intellect.
yato yato niścarati, manaścañcalamasthiram,
tatastato niyamyaitad, ātmanyeva vaśaṃ(n) na yet. 6.26
praśāntamanasaṃ(m) hyenaṃ(m), yoginaṃ(m) sukhamuttamam,
upaiti śāntarajasaṃ(m), brahmabhūtamakalmaṣam. 6.27
As we are learning Bhagavad Gītā and slowly practicing it, we have experienced that we are calmer and more at peace than before. This gradual effect of learning Gītā and yoga settles the mind, clears the mental clutter, removes negative thoughts and brings peaceful thoughts to the mind. By doing this one can increase the meditative state gradually from 5 minutes to 10 or 15 minutes. This in turn brings uttamam sukham by santarajasam; that is, the rajoguna becomes quiet.
In the 3rd chapter, Sri Krishna has said:
kama esa krodha esa, rajogunasamudhbhavah
mahasano mahapapma, viddhyenamiha vairinam |
Desire and anger born of all-devouring and all-sinful that come with rajoguna is the greatest enemy in the material world and is the root cause of all problems.
One can experience calmness from within. As the rajoguna quietens and settles down, the subconscious mind becomes free of impurities (akalmasam), sins or malice and will be a step closer to the Paramātmā. A person with a clear mind can easily connect with Paramātmā and be closer to Him.
Swamiji says that we have to become like a crystal which is transparent and clear. When a flower is kept near the crystal, it absorbs all the color of the flower as compared to the flower kept next to an ordinary stone. Similarly we should keep our conscious clear to absorb the atma jyoti, sat-chitta-anand the properties of this atma swaroopa.
All these practices are going to gradually calm the rajoguna and make the sub conscious mind clear so that it can be connected to Śrī Krishna and attain eternal bliss.
yuñjannevaṃ(m) sadātmānaṃ(m), yogī vigatakalmaṣaḥ,
sukhena brahmasaṃsparśam, atyantaṃ(m) sukhamaśnute. 6.28
The union of jeevatma with Brahmā tattva (Brahmāsamsparsham) gives even more happiness.
Thus a clear conscious and clear mind will lead to the union between the Brahmā and jeev resulting in eternal bliss. This eternal happiness changes a yogi's perspective and he sees Paramātmā tattva everywhere.
sarvabhūtasthamātmānaṃ(m), sarvabhūtāni cātmani,
īkṣate yogayuktātmā, sarvatra ṣamadarśanaḥ. 6.29
A saint does not harm anyone because he had realized that Paramātmā is in him as well as everyone and he goes around spreading love. He has realized that Paramātmā is within him, and also present everywhere.
tu hi hai sarvatra vyapta Hari tujme yeh sara sansar
isi bhavana se antarbhar milu sabise tujhe nihar
This beautiful prayer says that God, I see You everywhere and entire world I see in You but when I am worshipping You my entire world is restricted to You. With this emotion in my subconscious mind, I see everyone with same perception.
When a person experiences this perception, he cannot harm or oppose anyone.
advesta sarvabhutanam, maitrah karuna eva ca
nirmamo nirahankarah, samaduhkhasukhah ksami (12.13)
When one has this perception they cannot harm anyone and such a person is non-envious, friendly, compassionate, and free from attachment and ego. They see Ishvara tattva in everyone. Sant Dyaneshwar, in spite of getting troubles in this world, wished for peace and happiness for all and wish fulfillment for all humans.
yo māṃ(m) paśyati sarvatra, sarvaṃ(ñ) ca mayi paśyati,
tasyāhaṃ(n) na praṇaśyāmi, sa ca me na praṇaśyati. 6.30
sarvabhūtasthitaṃ(m) yo māṃ(m), bhajatyekatvamāsthitaḥ,
sarvathā vartamāno'pi, sa yogī mayi vartate. 6.31
There was a basic difference in perception between Arjuna and Duryodhana. Arjuna was seeing Sri Krishna with a perception of God. Duryodhana did not see the God in Sri Krishna. He lacked the "bhagavat dristi". One should pray for bhagavat drishti when praying to gurus and saints like Swamiji.
ātmaupamyena sarvatra, ṣamaṃ(m) paśyati yo'rjuna,
sukhaṃ vā yadi vā duḥkhaṃ(m), sa yogī paramo mataḥ. 6.32
This yogi serves with atmiyata and dristi of samatā.
This is described by Śrī Krishna as atmaupamyena - treat others as you would like to be treated. Just as you would not like to be pricked by others, one should not prick others. One should give the same love that they expect to others without seeing the other person as different from oneself.
The yogi who develops this vision of likeliness or sameness sees the other person as himself and treats him as he would like to be treated. He also sees joy and sorrow equally. Śrī Krishna has called such a person yogi of highest order. So we too should strive to achieve this position.
The session ended by offering the discourse to lotus feet of Parampujya Swamiji and Śrī Krishna.
Question & Answer session
Q: What is the definition of yoga? what is practice of yoga?
A: Yoga is a concept which is vast and each chapter teaches a different kind kind like karmayoga, dhyanayoga. But broadly can be defined by
- yoga karmasu kaushalam - balance in karmas
- samatvam yoga uchyate - perception of equanimity
Yoga is a very comprehensive subject and has different meaning in everyone's life.
Gopalkrishna ji
Q: Why is this chapter called atmasamyam yoga or dhyanayoga?
A: This chapter teaches control of atma which can be achieved by dhyana, so called dhyana yoga. The goal of Dhyana is to achieve atmasamyam, so it is atmasamyayoga.
Q: Why is chapter 1 called Arjuna vishada yoga?
A: Though Arjuna was lamenting he connected it to God, and it was for a larger good.
Gowri ji
Q: What should be done to memorize the shlokas?
A: Just keep faith and patience it will happen slowly. Just believe that it will happen.
Rekhaji
Q: Since I'm free from responsibilities people ask why i don't face sorrow?
A: Enjoy the bliss as you are connected to god and could your past good karmas. Following the right path is important.
Poonamji
Q: What should be done if we have to choose between doing our karma and two family members?
A: This should be done with equanimity and balance with fair perception. When the intent is clear the balance will automatically come. Having a balanced thought process will lead to right choices.
A: Our scriptures are not rigid about it. Any prayer that pleases you can be said for different purposes .For example Hanuman chalisa can be chanted when scared or during Vasant panchami prayers to Maa Saraswati. Śrī Krishna has said that He can be attained in whatever form He is worshipped. If you seeking knowledge it will come as that or if seeking strength you will get strength. Chant prayers to any god you feel connected with or just offer one chapter of Bhagavad Gītā.
Q: How to get out of sorrow?
A: Yoga is like a shield to protect ourselves. By reading Bhagavad Gītā our perception can change which will not allow anything to affect us.
Kiranji
Q: Is God truth?
A: God is beyond sat asat .In 13th chapter the properties of god is described.
Sirishaji
Q: Why does Bhagavān not connect with us?
A: Bhagavān not connected with us is a myth. In Bhagavd Gītā, Śrī Krishna calls Himself suhrut -a friend. He wishes well for us irrespective of how we are or what we do and is always connected to us. But we have distanced ourselves due to various reasons. and other temptations. But He is always with us from many births. All these yogas will help clear our vision and get connected to god.
Q: Does god communicate with us?
A: HE is everywhere but we must be in a state to understand his communication. We should be like sponge and absorb but if we are like stone the water will just flow over.
Kiran P ji
Q: What is the difference between mana and chitta?
A: There is a very subtle difference between man and chitta. There are layers in which mana is a layer closer to Prakṛti and chitta is within it and inside that is atmaswaroop. Mana is more external whereas chitta is more subtle and closer to atmaswaroop which is the pure form of Paramātmā.
Q: How to practice chitta ekagrata?
A: The mind has to be trained to focus on what needs to be done rather than what should not be done. We can focus on god in naama, roopa, dhama or guna form. By focusing mind on god the sense organ can focused on god and slowly the chitta can be focused and controlled with only love and bhakti.
Sundari ji
Q: How to do Sādhanā like a yogi?
A: A person becomes yogi after being sadhak for a long time. It is natural for the mind to get distracted. Instead of getting irritated, one needs to refocus. The meditative state cannot be achieved overnight and needs constant practice for long time with dedication, patience, with respect, faith and earnest devotion.
Rajesh ji
Q: How to animals and other creatures reach god?
A: They will also come as they must have been humans at some time. They are bhoga yonis and when their bhog is over they will get some janma. We as manusha yoni should help them in whatever way possible which will increase our punya karmas
Jayshreeji
Q: Why was atma separated from Paramātmā initially?
A: Basically they are not separated from Paramātmā. The Paramātmā is everywhere and definitely connected. The creation and dissolution of Śrīsti is His leela and a natural activity. We all are doing some activity like talking or walking but one activity we do naturally is breathing. This natural activity is Paramātmā's leela. As a part of His leela the atmas are entering different yonis.