Bhagavad Gita Chapter 4, Verse 27

English Translation

Others offer all the activities of the organs and the activities of the vital force into the fire of the yoga of sel-control which has been lighted by Knowledge.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation of 'सर्वाणीन्द्रियकर्माणि प्राणकर्माणि चापरे' (some offer all the actions of the senses and the actions of the vital airs) – In this verse, Samadhi is depicted as a Yajna (sacrifice). Some Yogis offer all the actions of their Indriyas (senses) into Samadhi. This implies that in the state of Samadhi, all activities of the Indriyas, including the mind and Buddhi (intellect), cease. The Indriyas become completely still and tranquil. In this Samadhi-like Yajna, the actions of the Pranas (vital airs) are also offered, meaning that during Samadhi, the activities of the Pranas also cease. There are two ways to stop the movement of the Pranas: one is through Hatha Yoga Samadhi, where Pranas are restrained via Kumbhaka (breath retention). Through practice, the Pranas can be halted, potentially for hours or even days. This Pranayama increases longevity; just as a frog burrows into sand after rain and remains dormant when dry, only to revive and croak again upon contact with water when the rains return. In the second method, the mind is made singularly focused (ekagra). When the mind is completely concentrated, the movement of the Pranas spontaneously ceases. Regarding 'ज्ञानदीपिते' (illuminated by knowledge) – both Samadhi and deep sleep (Nidra) are connected to the Karana Sharira (causal body), hence they appear outwardly similar. 'ज्ञानदीपिते' clarifies the distinction between Samadhi and Nidra. In Samadhi, the knowledge that 'the Paramatma (Supreme Self) is all-pervading' remains awakened, whereas in Nidra, the Vrittis (mental modifications) merge into Avidya (ignorance). In Samadhi, the movement of the Pranas stops, while in Nidra, it continues. Therefore, Samadhi is not achieved through sleep. Regarding 'आत्मसंयमयोगाग्नौ जुह्वति' (offer them into the fire of the Yoga of self-restraint) – Yogis who perform the Yajna in the form of Chitta-vritti-nirodha (cessation of mental modifications) offer the actions of their Indriyas and Pranas into the fire of Samadhi Yoga. That is, by halting all the activities of the Indriyas, Pranas, mind, and Buddhi, they become established in Samadhi. In Samadhi, all Indriyas and Pranas lose their inherent restlessness. Only the knowledge of Satchidananda Paramatma (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss Supreme Self) remains awakened.