Verse-23
Chapter 6 — Atma Sanyam Yoga
Verse 23
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
tam vidyādduḥkhasamy-ogaviyogam yogasañjñitam
sa niścayena yoktavyo yogo'nirviņņacetasă
🕉 English Translation
Jo dukhon ka sanyog hone na de,
Jano useh yoga ke naam se.
Isee yoga mein rakh ke nischay
aisa Na uktao tatpar raho tum sadaa.
📜 Translation
English
Where there is severance of union with pain, it is known as the state of 'yoga'. The practice of yoga of meditation as means for the attainment of that yoga should be done with determination and with a patient heart.
The yoga of the Gita is just not an activity, but an inner state of mind. A state which is beyond the reach of sorrow. A state completely beyond the pain and suffering. Here the Blessed Lord is defining the nature of that state. Although such a state cannot be brought within bounds of any definition; yet the preacher of the Gita is putting it into words with dexterity.
Not severance with the sorrow but severance of association with sorrow is what has been stated. Not the severance from grief but severance of connection with grief! This is an issue deserving thought. This is a state which takes even the great thinkers by surprise! It is giving a glimpse of an extremely well-thought-out depth of the philosophy of the Gita. The situation can take a sorrowful turn; unfavourability can arise; grief can arrive; but yoga will not allow sorrow to affect us.
That winters do not come-it is not possible. By wearing warm clothes it is possible to protect oneself from the effect of winters. It is not possible that arms and weapons are not used in warfare; one can protect oneself from arms and weapons by wearing a shield. This is the state of yoga. In a transitory world it is not possible that the circumstances remain unchanged. It is not possible that unfavourable situations do not arise. That these circumstances do not have any impact, this is the severance of association with sorrows!
Observe the life of great persons. In the previous verse it has been indicated how they faced severe sufferings in their life. The effect in their life was of yoga! They were unmoved. Dissociation with sorrow has been found to be practically implemented in their life. Another inspiration which can be derived from this is, that it is absolutely possible to attain this state. This is an expression of the Gita, the veracity of which can be verified. The life of such great persons can become an ideal for seekers. In reality, such strong ideals can provide strength to life, Accept it.
Understanding the mysterious essence and importance of this yoga, start practising it. Decisively, with strong determination, life further should be led to attain this state of yoga. In adversities and unfavourabilties, where the joy remains protected, for reaching that state all efforts and practice should be directed. Do not give up and also avoid despairing. It may take time to attain perfection in this state. The impurities collected birth after birth lie inside us; therefore, it is necessary to have patience. Means is this only. If due to impatience one abandons this practice of meditation, then the mind will start falling back to its old ways. For this reason 'yogoanirvinnacetasa' without the mind despairing keep practising; success will be yours, will definitely be yours. Have firm faith! How to practise? What should be the nature and type of practice-see further.