Chapter 6, Verse 36
असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मति: | वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायत: ॥36॥
asaṁyatātmanā yogo duṣprāpa iti me matiḥ | vaśyātmanā tu yatatā śakyo ’vāptum upāyataḥ ||
"Yoga is hard to attain by one whose mind is not subdued. This is My opinion. But by the self-controlled, who strive with right means, it is attainable."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 6.36 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 6.36 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna emphasizes that spiritual union (Yoga) is nearly impossible for someone who hasn't disciplined their mind. However, it isn't an impossible feat for everyone; those who practice self-control (vaśyātmanā) and apply the correct methods (upāyataḥ) with diligent effort (yatatā) can certainly achieve success. This verse balances the difficulty of the task with the reassurance that systematic effort leads to mastery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 6.36?
Yoga is hard to attain by one whose mind is not subdued. This is My opinion. But by the self-controlled, who strive with right means, it is attainable.