Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 41

English Translation

Attaining the worlds of the righteous, and residing there for eternal years, the man fallen from Yoga is born in the house of the pious and the properous.

Detailed Commentary

।।6.41।। **Explanation:** The phrase 'Prāpya Puṇyakṛtāṁ Lokān' signifies that those who complete rites such as *Yajñas* according to scriptural injunctions attain the right to heavenly and other realms, hence these are called 'the worlds of those who perform virtuous deeds'. Only those with merit (*puṇya*) go to these *lokas*, not those who have committed sins. However, for those spiritual aspirants (*sādhakas*) who do not desire the pleasures of virtuous actions, these heavenly realms spontaneously present themselves as an impediment. While performers of *Yajñā* and similar rites must strive to attain heaven, those *yogabhraṣṭas* who deviate at the end of their lives do not need to exert themselves, supplicate, or perform *Yajñā*; yet they still attain heaven. Even there, they develop a disinterest (*aruci*) in material enjoyments (*bhogas*) because their original aim was not enjoyment. They go there only due to subtle inclinations (*sūkṣma vāsanās*), but their *vāsanās* are not like those of ordinary pleasure-seekers (*bhogīs*). While pleasure-seekers become entangled in enjoyments, a *yogabhraṣṭa* does not. The reason is that individuals desiring *bhogas* accept them with an enjoying mindset (*bhoga-buddhi*), whereas a *yogabhraṣṭa* is compelled to experience *bhogas*. 'Uṣitvā Śāśvatīḥ Samāḥ' means that both those who perform auspicious deeds (*śubha karma*) and *yogabhraṣṭas* go to heaven. However, those who went with the intention of enjoying *bhogas* must return once their merit (*puṇya*) is exhausted. A *yogabhraṣṭa*, who harbors no desire for enjoyment, resides there for a long time not as a result of *karma* (*karmajanya*), but due to the influence of their *yoga*. The abode of those who go for *bhogas* is *karmajanya*, whereas a *yogabhraṣṭa*'s ascent to higher *lokas* is due to the power of *yoga*. Those who go with the purpose of *bhoga* are not free in heaven. Those who engage in spiritual practice (*sādhana*) for the attainment of the Supreme Reality (*Paramatattva*) do not become ensnared in *bhogas*. 'Śucīnāṁ Śrīmatāṁ Gehe Yogabhraṣṭo'bhijāyate' implies that upon developing disinterest in *bhogas*, the *yogabhraṣṭa* returns to Earth and is born into the home of pure and prosperous individuals. This rebirth inspires them anew for *sādhana*. Pure and prosperous individuals (*śuddha śrīmān*) are those whose wealth is earned through pure means, who do not usurp others' rights, whose intentions are pure, and who consider material possessions as mere instruments. They do not claim ownership over wealth or *bhogas*, but are rather free from the mindset of enjoyment (*bhoga-buddhi*). The Lord has explained the destiny of a *yogabhraṣṭa* in response to Arjuna's question, and now He discusses another type of *yogabhraṣṭa* on His own initiative.