Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 36

English Translation

My conviction is that Yoga is difficult to be attained by one of uncontrolled mind. But it is possible to be attained through the (above) means by one who strives and has a controlled mind.

Detailed Commentary

**6.36. Explanation:** For the Asanyatātmā (uncontrolled self), Yoga is difficult to attain. In my view, for one whose mind is not subdued, the attainment (siddhi) of Yoga is arduous. The inability to control the mind is a major impediment in the attainment of Yoga. A Dhyāna-Yogi should bring their mind under control. When the mind is subdued, we can direct it wherever we wish and withdraw it from wherever we choose. Many sādhakas (seekers) practice with shraddhā (devotion), but their efforts lack steadfastness, leading to a lack of saṁyama (self-control). Therefore, the attainment of Yoga becomes difficult; Bhagavān, though omnipresent, is not easily realized. For those sādhakas who progress towards Bhagavān, there is a disinterest in meat and the like, but not in viṣaya-bhoga (sense pleasures). Due to extensive indulgence in sense pleasures, that upekṣā (indifference) towards them does not arise. The consumption of meat, etc., is degrading, but sense pleasures are even more degrading because there is no sense of their being forbidden in them. The saṁskāras (latent impressions) of enjoyments are deep, and their influence persists through many births (janma-janmāntara). Therefore, due to the mind's attachment to sense objects (viṣayas), saṁyama is lacking in the sādhaka, and the success of Yoga becomes arduous. "Vashyātmā tu yatatā shakyō'vāptum" – One who earnestly engages in sādhana (spiritual practice) and observes proper rules of āhāra (diet) and vihāra (conduct), keeps their mind subdued and can attain Yoga. The means to control the mind is to consider ourselves not as bhogī (enjoyers) but as jijñāsu (seekers of truth). Our sole task is to know the ultimate tattva (reality). When the mind becomes pure, it automatically comes under control. The impurity of the mind lies in its rāga (attachment) to objects. A sādhaka should be careful not to infringe upon anyone else's right in any way. **Profound Insight** Arjuna considered the mind's chañchalatā (restlessness) an impediment and declared it impossible to restrain. Bhagavān indicated abhyāsa (practice) and vairāgya (dispassion) as the solution. In Dhyāna-Yoga, 'abhyāsa' is primary. Vairāgya is helpful in Jñāna-Yoga. In Dhyāna-Yoga, one can restrain the mind even while rāga is present. Ultimately, Bhagavān's aim is not merely to restrain (niruddha) the mind, but to remove attachment (rāga) to the world. Dhyāna (meditation) is a power that can be rightly utilized. When Samādhi (state of meditative absorption) and thereafter uparati (withdrawal) from it occur, the Sarvātīta Tattva (transcendent Reality) is attained. In this state, connection with all avasthās (states) is severed, and the Chinmaya-Tattva (consciousness-essence) is realized. This is the siddhi (attainment) of Yoga. **Context** In the preceding verse, Bhagavān stated that for one whose mind is not under control, the attainment of Yoga is difficult. Arjuna poses this question.