Bhagavad Gita (Verse 6.3)

 

The Path of Yoga in Bhagavad Gita (Verse 6.3)

The Bhagavad Gita is a profound spiritual scripture that provides guidance on duty (dharma), devotion (bhakti), and self-realization (atma-jnana). Chapter 6, known as the Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation), elaborates on the importance of discipline and self-control in the practice of yoga.

One of the significant verses in this chapter is Verse 6.3, which explains the two stages of yoga: renunciation (sannyasa) and disciplined action (karma yoga).

Sanskrit Verse (Bhagavad Gita 6.3)

अर्जुन उवाच
आरुरुक्षोर्मुनेर्योगं कर्म कारणमुच्यते |
योगारूढस्य तस्यैव शमः कारणमुच्यते || ३ ||

Transliteration:

Ārurukṣor muner yogaṁ karma kāraṇam ucyate |
Yogārūḍhasya tasyaiva śamaḥ kāraṇam ucyate || 6.3 ||

Meaning in English:

For one who aspires to climb the path of yoga, action (karma) is the means; but for one who has attained perfection in yoga, tranquility (shama or renunciation) is the means.

" जो व्यक्ति योग के मार्ग पर चढ़ना चाहता है, उसके लिए कर्म ही साधन है; किन्तु जो व्यक्ति योग में सिद्धि प्राप्त कर चुका है, उसके लिए शम (त्याग) ही साधन है। "

Explanation:

This verse highlights two stages of yoga practice:

1. Ārurukṣu (The Seeker of Yoga):

   • A person who has just started the path of yoga (ārurukṣu) must engage in disciplined action (karma yoga).

   • Selfless actions and duties help purify the mind, detach from material desires, and prepare for deeper meditation.

2. Yogārūḍha (The Established Yogi):

   • A person who has already mastered yoga (yogārūḍha) moves towards renunciation and inner peace.

   • In this stage, external actions decrease, and meditation, detachment, and self-realization take precedence.

Spiritual Significance:

• This verse teaches that action and renunciation are not contradictory but progressive steps in spiritual growth.

• Beginners must perform selfless duty (karma yoga) to discipline the mind.

• Advanced yogis must focus on inner stillness (shama), indicating mastery over desires and attachments.

Conclusion:

The path of yoga is a journey from action to stillness, from effort to effortless being. The Bhagavad Gita, through this verse, teaches us that spiritual progress requires both action and surrender, discipline and detachment. It is a gradual transformation where action leads to wisdom, and wisdom leads to peace.