Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 28

English Translation

By concentrating his mind constantly thus, the taintless yogi easily attains the absolute Bliss of contact with Brahman.

Detailed Commentary

**Explanation:** The verse states, "Engaging the Self thus always, the Yogi, freed from all impurities..." The 'Abhyasa' (practice) mentioned here is not the common practice of focusing the mind, etc. Rather, it is the practice of remaining steady in one's true Self (Swaroopa). In this practice, there is no conscious effort (Prayatna). Through such practice, the Yogi becomes devoid of ego (Ahankara) and possessiveness (Mamata). To be free from Ahankara and Mamata is itself to be free from sins (Papas); for, it is the attachment to the world (Samsara) through Ahankara and Mamata that constitutes sin. In the fifteenth verse, 'Yuñjann evaṃ' was used for Saguna Dhyana (meditation on the Personal God with attributes), whereas here 'Yuñjann evaṃ' refers to Nirguna Dhyana (meditation on the Impersonal Absolute). In the fifteenth verse, 'Niyatamānasaḥ' (one whose mind is disciplined) appeared, and here 'Vigatakalmaṣaḥ' (one freed from impurities); because there, the primary emphasis is on engaging the mind with the Paramatma (Supreme Self), and here, the renunciation of ego (Ahankara) is paramount. There, in the contemplation of Paramatma, the mind becomes absorbed in the Saguna Paramatma, and the world automatically recedes; and here, by severing connection with the world, which is the sin in the form of Ahankara-Mamata, one becomes established in Paramatma. Thus, the meaning of both is the same: there, by becoming absorbed in Paramatma, the world was relinquished, and here, by relinquishing the world, one became established in Paramatma. "Joyfully experiences the supreme joy of contact with Brahman." In the unity (Ekata) with Brahman, the sense of 'I'-ness (main-pan) ceases to exist. This is the joyful contact (Sukha-purvaka Sparsha) with Brahman. The joy (Sukha) in which neither the experiencer nor the experienced remain, that is 'Atyanta Sukha' (supreme joy). This joy the Yogi attains. This 'Atyanta Sukha', 'Akshaya Sukha' (imperishable joy) (5.21), and 'Atyantika Sukha' (ultimate joy) (6.21) are all synonymous terms for the one bliss (Ananda) that is Paramatma. **Context:** The experience of the practitioner (Swaroopa Sadhaka) described from verses eighteen to twenty-three is further elucidated in the next verse.