Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 42

English Translation

Or he is born in the family of wise yogis [Persons possessing knowledge of Brahman. (S. concedes that some rare householders also can have this knowledge, and he cites the instances of Vasistha, Agastya, Janaka and Asvapati of olden days, and Vacaspati and the author of Khanada of recent times.)] only. Such a birth as is of this kind is surely more difficult to get in the world.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation: There are two types of sādhakas (spiritual aspirants): those with vāsanās (latent desires) and those without vāsanās. A sādhaka who prefers spiritual practice, has a keen interest in it, and aims for the realization of Bhagavān, but whose vāsanā for worldly enjoyments has not completely subsided, becomes a yogabhraṣṭa (one fallen from Yoga) if, at the time of death, he deviates from sādhanā. After residing in Svarga (heavenly realms) for many years, he takes birth in the home of pure and prosperous people (this was discussed in the previous verse). The second type of sādhaka, who has no vāsanā, possesses deep vairāgya (dispassion), and is intensely engaged in sādhanā with the sole aim of Bhagavān, but has not yet attained perfection, may become a yogabhraṣṭa due to some specific reason. Such a one does not have to go to Svarga or other realms; instead, he directly takes birth in a family of yogis (this is being discussed in this verse). 'Or' — You asked about the yogabhraṣṭa, and I have explained that. However, one who is detached from the world and engaged in sādhanā, but for some reason dies, and his mind is not fixed on sādhanā at the time of death, becomes a yogabhraṣṭa. I am describing the destiny of such a yogabhraṣṭa here. 'yogināmeva kule bhavati dhīmatām' — that dispassionate yogabhraṣṭa takes birth in the family of wise yogis who have realized the ultimate reality (Paramātmatattva) and whose intellect is स्थिर (steadfast) in it – such Jīvanmukta (liberated while living) yogis. 'Etaddhi durlabhataraṁ loke janma yadīdṛśam' — Taking such a birth in a family of yogis is extremely rare in this world. Birth in the home of pure Sāttvika kings, wealthy individuals, and virtuous persons is also considered rare; but birth in the home of Tattvajña (knower of truth) Jīvanmukta yogis is exceedingly rare. The reason is that in their homes, there is naturally a spiritual atmosphere (pāramārthika vātāvaraṇa). There is no discussion of worldly enjoyments. Therefore, with such an environment, the company (saṅga) of Tattvajña Mahāpuruṣas (great souls), and good education, it becomes very easy to engage in sādhanā. Special Note Here, the two terms 'Etat' and 'Īdṛśam' appear. 'Etat' refers to the yogabhraṣṭa who takes birth in the family of Tattvajña yogis (as described in this verse), and 'Īdṛśam' refers to the sādhaka who gets the opportunity to associate with such Tattvajña yogis. In the world, two types of people are recognized: Binduja and Nādaja. Those who are born from the semen and ovum of parents are called 'Binduja'; and those who are inspired by the words of Mahāpuruṣas to embark on the spiritual path are called 'Nādaja'. The scriptures state that human birth is rare, but to obtain the company of Mahāpuruṣas in human birth is even rarer. Nāradajī in his Bhakti Sūtras says: 'Mahatsaṅgastu durlabho'gamyo'moghaśca', meaning the company of Mahāpuruṣas is rare, unattainable (or difficult to comprehend), and infallible (never fruitless). The reason is that their company is difficult to obtain, and even if such company is found by the grace of Bhagavān, it is difficult to recognize the Mahāpuruṣas. However, if their company is obtained in any way, it never goes in vain. It is from the perspective of obtaining the company of Mahāpuruṣas that both types of sādhakas mentioned above are described as 'durlabhatara' (more difficult to attain). Connection — In the previous verse, Bhagavān stated that the dispassionate yogabhraṣṭa takes birth in the family of Tattvajña yogis. Now, what happens after taking such a birth will be explained in the subsequent verse.