Bhagavad Gita Verse 6.8

 

Bhagavad Gita Verse 6.8 – The Qualities of a Yogi

Sanskrit Verse:

ज्ञानविज्ञानतृप्तात्मा कूटस्थो विजितेन्द्रियः।
युक्त इत्युच्यते योगी समलोष्टाश्मकाञ्चनः॥ ६.८॥

Transliteration:

jñāna-vijñāna-tṛptātmā kūṭastho vijitendriyaḥ
yukta ityuchyate yogī sama-loṣṭāśma-kāñcanaḥ

Word-by-Word Meaning:

• ज्ञान (jñāna): Knowledge

• विज्ञान (vijñāna): Wisdom or realized knowledge

• तृप्तात्मा (tṛptātmā): One who is content within himself

• कूटस्थ (kūṭastha): Steady or unchanging

• विजितेन्द्रियः (vijitendriyaḥ): One who has conquered his senses

• युक्त (yuktaḥ): United (in yoga)

• इत्युच्यते (ityuchyate): Is said (to be)

• योगी (yogī): A yogi

• सम (sama): Equal

• लोष्ट (loṣṭa): A lump of clay

• अश्म (aśma): A stone

• काञ्चन (kāñcana): Gold

Translation:

A yogi who is satisfied by both theoretical knowledge (jñāna) and realized wisdom (vijñāna), who remains steady and unshaken, who has conquered his senses, and who sees a lump of clay, a stone, and gold as equal is truly said to be in union with yoga.

Explanation:

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita, spoken by Lord Krishna to Arjuna, describes the qualities of a true yogi. It highlights several essential aspects of spiritual growth:

1. Contentment through Knowledge and Wisdom: A yogi is one who not only gathers intellectual knowledge (jñāna) but also gains direct experience and realization of the truth (vijñāna). This internal satisfaction leads to true peace.

2. Steadiness and Equanimity: The term kūṭastha signifies an unchanging nature. A yogi does not waver in the face of external changes or challenges.

3. Control over the Senses: Vijitendriya refers to a person who has mastered their senses. Instead of being driven by desires and distractions, a yogi remains focused on higher consciousness.

4. Seeing Everything with Equality: The phrase sama-loṣṭāśma-kāñcanaḥ conveys a deep spiritual truth. A yogi sees no difference between a clod of earth, a stone, and gold, signifying complete detachment from material possessions and worldly illusions.

Practical Application in Daily Life:

• Develop Inner Satisfaction: True happiness comes from self-awareness and wisdom rather than external possessions.

• Practice Equanimity: Do not let success or failure disturb your peace of mind.

• Control Desires: Instead of being driven by material cravings, focus on self-discipline and spiritual growth.

• See Beyond Material Differences: Recognize that wealth, status, or possessions do not define a person’s true worth.

Conclusion:

Bhagavad Gita 6.8 teaches us that a real yogi is one who remains steady in wisdom, is content within, has mastery over the senses, and views all material things with the same perspective. By embodying these principles, one can achieve inner peace and true spiritual enlightenment.