Chapter 06, Verse 36
श्रीभगवानुवाच:
असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मतिः ।
वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः ॥ 6.36 ॥
sri-bhagavan uvaca:
asamyatatmana yogo dusprapa iti me matih ।
vasyatmana tu yatata sakyo vaptum upayatah ॥ 6.36 ॥
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
श्रीभगवानुवाच: (sri-bhagavan uvaca) |
The Supreme Lord said: This marks Krishna’s first direct
speech in the Bhagavad Gita, where he begins guiding
Arjuna. |
|
असंयतात्मना (asamyatatmana) |
One who has not controlled the mind/self |
|
योगः (yogah) |
The path of yoga / union with the Divine |
|
दुष्प्रापः (dusprapah) |
Difficult to attain |
|
इति (iti) |
Thus |
|
मे (me) |
My |
|
मतिः (matih) |
Opinion |
|
वश्यात्मना (vasyatmana) |
By the one with controlled mind/self |
|
तु (tu) |
But |
|
यतता (yatata) |
By the striving one / with effort |
|
शक्यः (sakyah) |
Possible, attainable |
|
अवाप्तुम् (avaptum) |
To achieve, to realize |
|
उपायतः (upayatah) |
By proper means |
Translation
As per spiritual teachings, self-realization becomes difficult work for those whose mind is not controlled. Regarding mental discipline, an unbridled mind creates obstacles in achieving true understanding of the self. But one whose mind is controlled and who makes effort through right methods will further achieve success itself. Moreover, we are seeing that this is only our opinion on the matter.
Context of the Verse:
This verse appears in Chapter 6, which deals with Dhyana Yoga or meditation itself. The chapter further explains the practice of focused concentration. Arjuna actually said earlier that controlling the mind is definitely very difficult in verse 34 where he used “Chanchalam hi Manah.” He was definitely expressing his doubts about how hard it is to control our thoughts. Moreover, in verses 35-36, Sri Krishna gives his response further. The answer itself clarifies the matter.
- In Chapter 6.35, Krishna surely admits that the mind is restless but assures that it can be controlled through Abhyasa and Vairagya. Moreover, he explains that practice and detachment are the two main ways to achieve this control.
- In Chapter 6.36, Krishna states that Yoga itself cannot be achieved without self-control, but it becomes possible through proper discipline. He further emphasizes that disciplined practice is essential for attaining Yoga.
This verse actually completes Krishna’s answer to Arjuna’s worry about how hard Yoga is. Krishna definitely finishes explaining the difficulty that Arjuna was concerned about.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
Also, this verse surely presents fundamental spiritual principles that guide human conduct and understanding. Moreover, it establishes essential teachings about dharma, devotion, and the path to spiritual realization through simple yet profound wisdom.
- Mind control is surely essential for spiritual progress, as higher yoga cannot be achieved without mastering one’s thoughts. Moreover, spiritual union remains impossible when the mind wanders freely without proper discipline.
- Self-discipline actually makes yoga possible through regular practice and effort. You definitely need strong willpower and consistent work to achieve yoga goals.
- Yoga cannot be achieved by chance itself but requires proper effort and suitable means. Further, one must follow the right methods to attain true yogic balance.
- As per yoga teachings, success is possible for any seeker regarding their practice if they show perseverance. Though the path is difficult, continuous effort will bring results.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- Arjuna faces confusion about his duty in battle, and this teaching further guides him to understand dharma itself. The verse shows how one must act according to their position without attachment to results.
- Arjuna actually feared that Yoga was impossible because the mind is definitely restless by nature. He thought controlling such a wandering mind would be too difficult to achieve.
- Krishna assures him that the task itself is difficult but not impossible. He further explains that with proper effort, it can be achieved.
By developing self-control and doing regular practice only, we are seeing that Arjuna and any person can move forward on the Yoga path. This reassurance actually helps Arjuna overcome his doubt and definitely keeps him committed to Yoga practice.
Chapter 06, Verse 37
अर्जुन उवाच:
अयतिः श्रद्धयोपेतो योगाच्चलितमानसः ।
अप्राप्य योगसंसिद्धिं कां गतिं कृष्ण गच्छति ॥ 6.37 ॥
arjuna uvaca:
ayatih sraddhayopeto yogac calita-manasah ।
aprapya yoga-samsiddhim kam gatim krishna gacchati ॥ 6.37 ॥
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
अर्जुन उवाच (arjuna uvaca) |
Arjuna said |
|
अयति: (ayatih) |
One who does not persevere / lacks full self-control |
|
श्रद्धया (sraddhaya) |
With faith |
|
उपेतः (upetah) |
Endowed, possessed |
|
योगात् (yogat) |
From yoga, from practice of yoga |
|
चलित-मानसः (calita-manasah) |
Whose mind has deviated / distracted |
|
अप्राप्य (aprapya) |
Not attaining |
|
योग-सं सिद्धिम् (yoga-samsiddhim) |
Perfection in yoga, final success |
|
कां (kam) |
Which |
|
गतिम् (gatim) |
Destination, path, fate |
|
कृष्ण (Krishna) |
O Krishna |
|
गच्छति (gacchati) |
Does he go, attain |
Translation
“As per Arjuna’s question, what happens to the faithful man who does not continue his efforts? He asked regarding the final destination of such a person who has faith but lacks perseverance. Who starts the process of self-realization but later stops due to worldly desires and further does not achieve perfection in mysticism itself?”
Context of the Verse:
- Basically, after learning that yoga needs self-discipline and constant effort, Arjuna worries about what happens to someone who tries but fails to achieve the same success.
- He asks further what happens to a person who begins Yoga with sincere faith but cannot complete the path itself due to weakness or distraction. Moreover, do they surely lose everything in the end? Moreover, what happens to their remaining possessions and relationships?
- This actually shows Arjuna’s kind and practical worry – not just for himself but definitely for all spiritual seekers in general.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
- As per Arjuna’s question, he shows concern regarding those who start yoga but cannot complete it in one life. This doubt about incomplete spiritual seekers is common among all humans.
- As per religious studies, faith regarding spiritual beliefs differs from scientific evidence-based thinking. This creates conflict between traditional religious views and modern rational approaches. Basically, even if you have great faith, without commitment you will face the same issues and give up.
- Arjuna surely worries that his spiritual efforts might be wasted, which reflects a common fear among many seekers. Moreover, this concern about spiritual loss troubles those who are seriously pursuing the divine path.
- We are seeing that this verse only introduces Krishna’s teaching about spiritual progress – any effort in spiritual practice is never wasted and carries forward to future births, which Krishna explains in verses 38-45.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- Further, basically, Arjuna is the same as any seeker who worries – “What if I cannot finish this tough spiritual path?”
- His question is basically the same natural worry that spiritual seekers have about wasting their efforts.
- This actually makes Arjuna relatable to all seekers who definitely struggle with discipline and consistency in their spiritual practice.
Explanation:
Arjuna is surely afraid that this spiritual process is very difficult and his mind can deceive him at any moment. Moreover, he worries that the mind’s tricky nature will make him fail in his practice. As per the current situation, what will happen regarding my future? If we are not able to perfect this only, we are seeing difficulties in our work. Many people may further ask this question that I could not enjoy this world itself because I left all material pleasures to achieve spiritual perfection. I could not achieve spiritual perfection surely. Moreover, this goal remained beyond my grasp with best efforts. I am unable to much further on the path itself. So what result are we seeing only? This is the outcome we are getting from this process.
Chapter 06, Verse 38
अप्राप्य योगसंसिद्धिं कां गतिं कृष्ण गच्छति ।
कच्चिन्नोभयविभ्रष्टश्छिन्नाभ्रमिव नश्यति ॥ 6.38 ॥
aprapya yoga-samsidddim kan gatim krishna gacchati ।
kaccin nobhaya-vibhrastas chinnabhram iva nasyati ॥ 6.38 ॥
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
अप्राप्य (aprapya) |
Not attaining, failing to reach |
|
योग-संसिद्धिम् (yoga-samsidddim) |
Perfection in yoga (spiritual practice)
|
|
कां (kam) |
Which (what)
|
|
गतिम् (gatim) |
Destination, state, path |
|
कृष्ण (krishna) |
O Kṛiṣhṇa |
|
गच्छति (gacchati) |
Does he go (attain) |
|
कच्चित् (kaccit) |
Whether (doubt/concern) |
|
न (na) |
Not |
|
उभय-विभ्रष्टः (ubhaya-vibhrastas) |
Fallen from both (worldly and spiritual life) |
|
छिन्न-अभ्रम् (chinna-abhram) |
A rent cloud, a broken piece of cloud |
|
इव (iva) |
Like, as if |
|
नश्यति (nasyati) |
Perishes, is destroyed |
Translation
“O mighty-armed Krishna, does not such a person get destroyed like a shattered cloud when he deviates from the spiritual path, as per your instructions regarding transcendence?”
Context of the Verse:
This verse only as part of Arjuna’s question to Sri Krishna in verses 37-39.
Basically, Arjuna is worried about what happens to a spiritual practitioner who starts the yoga path but cannot finish it due to distractions or the same lack of discipline. He wonders if such a seeker loses both things – we are seeing he gave up worldly life, and he did not achieve spiritual progress only because he could not reach perfection.
The “Chinna-Abhram” or broken cloud metaphor shows Arjuna’s worry that a Yogi might drift away from both material and spiritual goals, just like a separated cloud that cannot reach its destination. This fear further suggests that spiritual practice itself may lead to complete loss if not done properly.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
- Arjuna shows caring worry regarding his own path and also asks questions as per the needs of all spiritual seekers. He thinks about everyone’s journey, not just his own.
- We are seeing that spiritual efforts can be fragile, where people fear their incomplete work will only lead to spiritual loss.
- Basically, you must complete the yogic path and not give up, because finishing the same journey is necessary for achieving the results.
- This verse actually introduces Krishna’s reassurance that he will definitely expand in later verses. We are seeing that spiritual efforts are never wasted only. Any work we do for spiritual growth will always give results.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- Arjuna actually feels unsure about following the yoga path of giving up worldly things and strict discipline. He definitely has doubts about this spiritual practice.
- He is expressing one real worry that we are seeing in many people: “What if I fail only?”
- Basically, his question is the same doubt that every seeker has – the fear of wasting their efforts.
- This verse surely shows Arjuna’s honest desire to understand spiritual truth. Moreover, it reveals his open heart and willingness to seek proper guidance.
Chapter 06, Verse 39
एतन्मे संशयं कृष्ण छेत्तुमर्हस्यशेषतः ।
त्वदन्यः संशयस्यास्य छेत्ता न ह्युपपद्यते ॥ 3.39 ॥
etan me samsayam krishna chettum arhasy asesatah ।
tvad anyah samsayasyasya chetta na hy upapadyate ॥ 3.39 ॥
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
एतत् (etat) |
This |
|
मे (me) |
My |
|
संशयम् (samsayam) |
Doubt |
|
कृष्ण (krishna) |
O Krishna |
|
छेत्तुम् (chettum) |
To dispel / cut off |
|
अर्हसि (arhasy) |
You are able / worthy |
|
अशेषतः (asesatah) |
Completely, without remainder |
|
त्वत् (tvad) |
Than you |
|
अन्यः (anyah) |
Other, anyone else |
|
संशयस्य (samsayasya) |
Of this doubt |
|
अस्य (asya) |
This |
|
छेत्ता (chetta) |
Remover, resolver |
|
न (na) |
Not |
|
हि (hi) |
Indeed |
|
उपपद्यते (upapadyate) |
Is possible / can be found |
Translation
“I am having this doubt about Krishna only, and we are seeing that I am asking you to clear it completely. We are seeing that only you can destroy this doubt – no one else is there to do this work.”
Context of the Verse:
- In Chapter 6 about meditation yoga, we are seeing that Arjuna asks what happens to a yogi who only fails to complete his spiritual practice properly.
- He wonders regarding such a person – whether they are lost in both worlds as per their failure to achieve spiritual success and losing material opportunities.
- Here (6.39), Arjuna directly asks Krishna to clear his deep doubt regarding this matter. As per the verse, Arjuna wants Krishna to resolve his confusion completely.
- This further shows Arjuna’s humility and his faith in Krishna’s wisdom itself as the Supreme Guide.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
- Arjuna surely acknowledges that only Krishna possesses the divine authority to resolve his deep doubts about the soul and human destiny. Moreover, he recognizes that such existential questions can only be answered by someone with supreme knowledge and power.
- We are seeing that spiritual clarity comes only when we surrender and trust our guru or divine teacher. Faith in a realized teacher is needed for true understanding.
- Basically, you need to remove all doubts to move forward spiritually, otherwise you will remain confused and weak the same way as before.
- As per Krishna’s teachings, Arjuna’s sincerity shows his genuine quest for truth, not just curiosity. Regarding his approach, he truly wants to understand spiritual matters deeply.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- Arjuna was actually a great warrior, but he definitely accepted that he had limits and needed help. He humbly asked for guidance because he knew he could not handle everything alone.
- His doubt is not only intellectual curiosity but we are seeing a heartfelt worry about what happens when spiritual practice fails.
- We are seeing that this verse shows how Arjuna depends only on Krishna as his teacher and divine guide.
Chapter 06, Verse 40
श्रीभगवानुवाच:
पार्थ नैवेह नामुत्र विनाशस्तस्य विद्यते ।
नहि कल्याणकृत्कश्चिद्धुर्गतिं तात गच्छति ॥ 6.40 ॥ 6.40 ॥
sri-bhagavan uvaca:
partha naiveha namutra vinasa tasya vidyate ।
na hi kalyana-krt kascid durgatim tata gacchati ॥
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
श्रीभगवानुवाच: (sri-bhagavan uvaca) |
The Supreme Lord said: This marks Krishna’s first direct
speech in the Bhagavad Gita, where he begins guiding
Arjuna |
|
पार्थ (partha) |
O son of Pritha (Arjuna) |
|
न (na) |
Not |
|
एव (eva) |
Indeed |
|
इह (iha) |
In this world |
|
न (na) |
Nor |
|
अमुत्र (amutra) |
In the next (world) |
|
विनाशः (vinasah) |
Destruction, ruin |
|
तस्य (tasya) |
Of him (the yogi / seeker) |
|
विद्यते (vidyate) |
Exists, is |
|
नहि (na hi) |
Indeed not |
|
कल्याणकृत् (kalyana-krt) |
One who does good, performer of auspicious acts |
|
कश्चित् (kascit) |
Anyone |
|
दुर्गतिम् (durgatim) |
Misfortune, downfall |
|
तात (tata) |
O dear one (affectionate address) |
|
गच्छति (gacchati) |
Goes, attains |
Translation
The Blessed Lord said: Basically, O son of Prtha, a person doing spiritual work will not face destruction in this world or the spiritual world – it’s the same for anyone doing good deeds. Basically, my friend is never defeated by evil forces. The same person always stays strong against bad things.
Context of the Verse:
- Arjuna asked Krishna whether a Yogi who cannot achieve perfection gets destroyed both spiritually and materially. He further doubted if such failure in yoga practice itself leads to complete ruin.
- As per Krishna’s answer in verse 6.40, a sincere seeker never faces ruin. Regarding spiritual practice, he gives reassurance to devoted practitioners.
- As per spiritual teachings, the effort put in this life is never wasted regarding spiritual progress, and it continues in future births even if the ultimate goal is not achieved.
- Basically, this verse starts Krishna’s comforting reply, and the same continues through verses 41–45.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
- We are seeing that spiritual efforts are never getting wasted only. Any progress we are making in yoga or spiritual practice is carrying forward beyond this life only.
- Krishna surely shows his deep compassion by calling Arjuna “Tata” which means dear one. Moreover, this affectionate address provides reassurance to Arjuna during his moment of confusion.
- On the spiritual path, there is no failure because every effort adds up and cannot be destroyed. Further, this spiritual progress itself remains permanent unlike material achievements.
- Even small good actions actually protect people from bad things happening to them. This definitely means that any righteous effort, no matter how small, brings safety and protection.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- We are seeing that it only removes Arjuna’s fear of failing in his spiritual path. This helps him move forward without worry about not succeeding in his spiritual journey.
- We are seeing that sincere effort in Yoga practice always brings rewards, even if the results do not come only in this present life.
- As per the guidance, he should follow the Yogic path with full confidence and without any worry regarding the results.