Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 37

English Translation

Arjuna said O krsna, failing to achieve perfection in Yoga, what goal does one attain who, though possessed of faith, is not diligent and whose mind becomes deflected from Yoga?

Detailed Commentary

।।6.37।। Explanation -- 'Ayatiḥ shraddhayopeto yogāc calitamānasaḥ' -- This refers to one who has interest and faith in Japa, Dhyana, Satsang, Svādhyāya, etc., and also performs them, but due to the mind and senses not being under control, there is laxity in their Sādhana, not earnestness. If such a practitioner, at the time of death, becomes deviated from their Sādhana, not remaining steadfast on their goal, due to attachment to the world and contemplation of sense objects, what will be their destiny (gati)? 'Aprāpya yogasaṁsiddhiṁ kāṁ gatiṁ Kṛṣṇa gacchati' -- One whose mind became agitated at the time of death due to attachment to sense objects (viṣayāsakti) and carelessness (asāvadhānī), meaning it deviated from Sādhana, and for this reason, they did not attain Yogic perfection (yoga-saṁsiddhi), i.e., the attainment of Paramātmā, in which direction will they go? The implication is that they had given up committing sins; therefore, they cannot go to hell, and having no desire for heaven, they cannot go to heaven either. Due to being engaged in Sādhana with faith, they cannot have an ordinary rebirth (punarjanma) either. But at the time of death, due to the absence of the remembrance of Paramātmā and having other thoughts, they also did not attain Paramātmā, so what will be their destiny? Where will they go? The address 'Krishna' implies that You are the attractor of all beings, the knower of their destinies (gati), and the ordainer of these destinies. Therefore, I ask You, where will You lead the practitioner who has deviated from Yoga? What destiny (gati) will You bestow upon them?