Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 16

English Translation

But, O Arjuna, Yoga is not for one who eats too much, nor for one who does not eat at all; neither for one who habitually sleeps too long, nor surely for one who keeps awake.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation— 'Naatyaśnatastu yogo'sti'—Yoga is not perfected for one who eats excessively. Because eating without hunger or beyond satiety leads to excessive thirst, necessitating more water intake. This causes the stomach to feel heavy and induces lethargy. The mind does not incline towards spiritual practice (sadhana), devotional singing (bhajan), mantra repetition (japa), meditation (dhyana), etc. One cannot sit or lie down comfortably, nor does one feel like moving about. Indigestion (ajirṇa) can lead to illnesses. Therefore, one who eats excessively cannot practice Yoga. 'Na caikaantamanashnataḥ'—Yoga is also not perfected by one who abstains completely from food. By not eating, the mind repeatedly dwells on thoughts of food. The body becomes weak, and movement becomes difficult. Therefore, such a person's Yoga is not accomplished. 'Na cāti svapnaśīlasya'—Yoga is also not perfected for one who is excessively given to sleep. Excessive sleep leads to lethargy, and spiritual practice (abhyāsa) is hindered due to sleep. Hence, their Yoga is also not accomplished. 'Jāgrato naiva cārjuna'—O Arjuna! Even by staying awake too much, Yoga is not perfected. Without adequate sleep, spiritual practice (abhyāsa) cannot occur. Sattvic individuals, when immersed in spiritual discourse (satsang) or the divine stories of Bhagavan, enjoy the essence (rasa) without concern for sleep. Sleep does not trouble them; rather, it aids them. However, when Rajasic and Tamasic individuals stay awake, sleep troubles them. Devotees, in chanting the divine names (nāma-japa) of Bhagavan, forget hunger, yet they are not 'anaśnataḥ' because their action becomes 'Sat'.