Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 17

English Translation

Yoga becomes a destroyer of sorrow of one whose eating and movements are regulated, whose effort in works is moderate, and whose sleep and wakefulness are temperate.

Detailed Commentary

।।6.17।। Elucidation— For balanced *ahara* (diet) and *vihara* (recreation), food should be earned through righteous means (*dharma*), be *sattvic* and pure. Food should not be for taste or nourishment, but for *sadhana* (spiritual practice). It should be consumed in accordance with *Dharmashastra* and *Ayurveda*, and only in such quantity as can be easily digested. Food should be light and slightly less in amount. Similarly, *vihara* should also be beneficial for health, not excessive wandering. Exercise, *asanas*, etc., should neither be excessive nor completely neglected. All these should be proportionate. Balanced *cheshta* (endeavor) means that actions should be in accordance with one's situation. Work for the well-being of the body and family, and joyfully fulfill religious duties; this is *yukta cheshta*. Balanced *svapnavabodha* (sleep and wakefulness) means that one should sleep only as much as necessary to avoid laziness upon waking. One should stay awake during the day and sleep a little less at night to wake up early. One who maintains a balance between sleep and awareness is on the right path. Here, *avabodha* signifies focusing on one's main objective, the Divine, and rising above the mundane. Balanced *ahara*, *vihara*, *cheshta*, sleep, and waking imply that not all rules are the same for everyone. Therefore, one who practices according to their capacity achieves *Yoga*, which destroys suffering. Only one who renounces enjoyment (*bhoga*) and adopts the path of *Yoga* can end suffering. Keeping this verse in mind, every *sadhaka* (aspirant) should bring transformation into their life. We have twenty-four hours, and these are to be divided into four main activities: (1) *Ahara-Vihara*, meaning food and recreation, for six hours. (2) *Karma*, meaning livelihood, for six hours. (3) Sleeping for six hours. And (4) Waking or for the attainment of God, for six hours. These have two aspects—*uparjana* (earning) and *vyaya* (expenditure). *Uparjana* occurs when we are engaged in *karma* and in a state of wakefulness; whereas expenditure occurs when we are engaged in *ahara-vihara* and sleeping. Worldly wealth and lifespan (*ayu*) are two types of capital we possess. Regarding the first capital, wealth, dedicate more time to earning, but not to spending. Time saved from *ahara-vihara* can be invested in livelihood. On the other hand, from the perspective of lifespan (*ayu*), reduce sleeping time and dedicate it to *bhajan* (devotional singing) and *dhyana* (meditation). It is important that we are here not for worldly wealth, but for the attainment of *Paramatma* (the Supreme Self). Remember God while working, and sleep in remembrance of God. In this way, all our actions will become service to God. In these two verses, special rules have been given for *Dhyana Yogis*. What state a *sadhaka* achieves by following these will be described in the subsequent verses.