Gita for the Beginners

Chapter 6th contains 47 verses and is titled as "Yoga of Self Control". Continuing the discussion from the previous chapter, the Lord says, "He who does his duty without expecting fruit of action is a Jnana Yogi as well as karma Yogi. He is not sannyasin who has renounced externally (by wearing ochre robe) but internally his mind is full of desires. Similarly one cannot be labeled a Yogi who has just given up actions but has become a lazy fellow." Ch. 6/1

In next few verses Sri Krishna tries to convince Arjuna to become a true Yogi by instilling virtues like dispassion, equanimity, and meditation. This all is possible, and indeed desirable of Arjuna (and people like us), only through the practice of Karma Yoga. The outcome is equally glorious and god realization is the blessed end of both on the path of Jnana and Karma.

The Lord explains the means and methods to become a Yogi. "When a man ceases to have any attachment either for objects of senses or for actions, and has renounced all thoughts of the world, he is said to have attained Yoga." ch. 6/4

For this one should discriminate between right and wrong and lift oneself up. One should not degrade oneself by thinking oneself to be weak; for one's own self is one's best friend in strength, and in weak and low thoughts one's enemy.

One's own self is one's friend when lower self (senses, mind and body) is conquered; but becomes enemy when lower self rules the mind and intellect. How to achieve this? Sri Krishna advises, 'by meditation and control of mind'. The Lord also gives certain instructions for doing meditation.
(It is not necessary that we should follow the same instructions. Those who want to meditate should seek instructions from a qualified living Guru.)

The Lord says, 'Sit on a mat with grass, deerskin, and a cotton coverings. Sit straight; spine and back should be erect. Concentrate on the tip of the nose in this posture and meditate on the bliss of Supreme Being, i.e. Atman. The aspirant should follow brahmacharya (sexual abstinence) and should be fearless. He should not fast nor should he eat too much. It applies to sleep and other routine daily activities. They should be simple and without torture to body or mind. Restraining the restless and fidgety mind from all those objects after which it runs, he should repeatedly concentrate it on God.' 6/26

What is the result? The aspirant is raised to the level of a Yogi and he enjoys the perfect peace of mind and body. He realizes the Truth of One God (The Self) in all beings, and sees all beings in the Self.

Now it is Arjuna's turn to ask, "O Krishna, it all is well said, but this mind is restless like the monkey and as difficult to control as the wind. What should one do?"

To this Lord Krishna responds, "O Arjuna, indeed the mind is very difficult to bring under control. But with repeated practice (of meditation and other spiritual disciplines) and by dispassion it is possible to control the mind. Therefore, O Arjuna, remain unattached to the outcome of your actions and try to focus the mind on ME."

Then Arjuna, as if on our behalf puts very practical query to the Lord. "O Madhava, please tell me what is the fate of those who 'though endowed with faith in You, have not been able to subdue their passions, and whose minds are therefore diverted from the path of Yoga - failing to achieve perfection in Yoga (God Realization).'"

Does such a person who has partially striven to realize You perish like a torn cloud deprived of both - Your Grace and worldly enjoyment?

Reassuring though the merciful Lord answers, "Dear Arjuna, there is no fall for him, neither here or hereafter. For, none who works for realization of Self meets with an evil destiny." (Ch. 6/40) Such a soul who has fallen from Yoga, having enjoyed the higher worlds, takes birth in the house of pious and wealthy men, or a man of dispassion is born into the hut of a great Yogi, to continue his spiritual austerities and practices. He strives with greater vigour supported by meritorious deeds of the past lives.

The Yogi is superior to ascetic, jnani, and the person involved in karma with motives; therefore, O Partha, you become a Yogi. (End of chapter VI)
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Continued Next Part 9 ...

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C S Shah