Chapter 06, Verse 41
श्रीभगवानुवाच:
प्राप्य पुण्यकृतां लोकानुषित्वा शाश्वतीः समाः ।
शुचीनां श्रीमतां गेहे योगभ्रष्टोऽभिजायते ॥ 6.41॥
sri-bhagavan uvaca:
prapya punya-krtam lokan usitva sasvatih samah ।
sucinam srimatam gehe yoga-bhrasto bhijayate ॥ 6.41॥
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. |
|
प्राप्य (prapya) |
Attaining; reaching |
|
पुण्यकृताम् (punya-krtam) |
Of the righteous; those who perform virtuous deeds |
|
लोकान् (lokan) |
Worlds; heavenly realms |
|
उषित्वा (usitva) |
Having lived |
|
शाश्वतीः (sasvatih) |
For many (long-lasting) |
|
समाः (samah) |
Years; periods of time |
|
शुचीनाम् (sucinam) |
Of the pure and pious |
|
श्रीमताम् (srimatam) |
Of the prosperous and wealthy |
|
गेहे (gehe) |
In the house; family |
|
योगभ्रष्टः (yoga-bhrasto) |
One who has fallen from yoga (did not complete spiritual practice) |
|
अभिजायते (abhijayate) |
Takes birth; is born |
Translation
“Basically, the unsuccessful yogi enjoys for many years on higher planets, then takes birth in the same righteous families or rich aristocratic families.”
Context of the Verse:
Moreover, this verse further continues the Lord’s assurance from verse 6.40 itself. Arjuna actually asked what happens if a Yogi cannot finish his spiritual path in one life. He definitely wanted to know about seekers who fail to complete their journey to self-realization. Here, Krishna further explains that such a yogi does not face destruction itself. The practitioner remains protected from downfall. Basically, he enjoys the results of his good actions in heaven and then takes birth in good families – the same families that have purity, wealth, or spiritual nature – so he can continue his yoga practice in the next life.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
- No effort is wasted: Spiritual progress does not get destroyed and further carries itself to the next birth. The soul takes this progress with itself when it moves to a new life.
- Graceful rebirth: Further, we are seeing that even incomplete yogis are only getting birth in good families – either in pure, righteous homes or in wealthy, powerful families.
- Encouragement to persevere: As per the natural process, failure is only temporary regarding one’s journey towards success. The path itself ensures that success will come eventually.
- Law of karma with yoga: Past spiritual efforts surely create the foundation for future growth opportunities. Moreover, these previous practices determine how much progress one can achieve in their spiritual journey.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- Also, arjuna was afraid that if he left his worldly duties for yoga and failed, it would further lead to ruin. He worried that abandoning his responsibilities itself might destroy him completely.
- Krishna surely tells him that spiritual efforts are never wasted, unlike worldly works. Moreover, any sincere spiritual practice always brings lasting benefits.
- Further, this further motivates Arjuna to remain firm on the yoga path itself, without any fear of failure.
Explanation:
Also, even a small effort on this spiritual path surely saves a person from falling into lower animal forms. Moreover, this practice protects one from moral degradation and spiritual decline. If a person follows sincerely, then we are seeing that he will get very good birth only, and he will go to heavenly planets. There are surely many planets where living standards remain very high. Moreover, lifespan on these planets is very long. The effects of age-related diseases are surely very minimal. Moreover, these conditions have little impact on overall health outcomes. Therefore, there is no material loss further. The situation itself shows no financial damage. As per your control of the senses here, this result has come. Regarding sense control, you have done it properly in this place. You surely wanted to follow yoga, but you could not manage it. Moreover, this is a common problem that many people face in their daily routine. You can actually visit that place many times throughout your long life. You will definitely enjoy those experiences again and again over the years. You can actually be born into a wealthy, upper-class family. This definitely gives you many advantages from the start.
Now, we are seeing one more advanced stage only. If a person is not surely advanced in their studies, then this situation will happen. Moreover, beginners will face such difficulties in their learning process. A person will surely reach the heavenly planets, and moreover, he will then take birth in an aristocratic family. A pure family allows one to continue spiritual life further. The next verse itself explains this special instruction for advanced yogis.
Chapter 06, Verse 42
अथवा योगिनामेव कुले भवति धीमताम् ।
एतद्धि दुर्लभतरं लोके जन्म यदीदृशम् ॥6.42॥
athava Yoginam eva kule bhavati dhimatam |
etad dhi durlabhataram loke janma yad idrsam ॥6.42॥
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
अथवा (athava) |
Or else |
|
योगिनाम् (Yoginam) |
Of Yogis |
|
एव (eva) |
Certainly/indeed |
|
कुले (kule) |
In the family/lineage |
|
भवति (bhavati) |
He takes birth |
|
धीमताम् (dhimatam) |
Of the wise, enlightened |
|
एतत् (etat) |
This |
|
हि (hi) |
Indeed |
|
दुर्लभतरम् (durlabhataram) |
Very rare, extremely difficult to obtain |
|
लोके (loke) |
In this world |
|
जन्म (janma) |
Birth |
|
यत् (yat) |
Which |
|
ईदृशम् (idrsam) |
Such, like this |
Translation
“He actually takes birth in a family of spiritual seekers who are definitely wise and learned. Such families surely have great knowledge of higher truths. Such a birth is surely rare in this world. Moreover, it happens very seldom among people.”
Context of the Verse:
- This verse surely belongs to Chapter 6, which is called Dhyana Yoga or The Yoga of Meditation. Moreover, this chapter focuses on the practice of meditation and mental discipline.
- Arjuna was surely worried about what happens to a Yogi who cannot achieve complete success in meditation and self-realization. Moreover, he was concerned about the spiritual fate of such an incomplete practitioner.
- Krishna further explains in verses 41-42 that such a Yogi takes rebirth in two ways. The rebirth itself depends on the Yogi‘s spiritual progress at the time of death.
- We are seeing that in families where people are only prosperous and religious, or
- Actually, this person was born in a family of Yogis and wise teachers. They will definitely follow spiritual paths and become guides for others.
- As per Verse 42, the second type of birth into a spiritually elevated family is very rare and precious. Regarding its value, such birth provides a natural environment that helps in continuing spiritual progress.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
- We are seeing that spiritual progress is never lost – even if a Yogi does not succeed in only one lifetime, he continues in the next life from where he left off.
- We are seeing that taking birth in a Yogic or wise family is only a rare blessing that gives natural access to spiritual knowledge and practice.
- Basically, staying around Yogis and wise people helps your spiritual growth the same way good soil helps plants grow, which works much better than just having money and material things.
- Further, we are seeing that Krishna gives encouragement to people on the spiritual path, telling them that their honest efforts will always give results, even if it takes many lifetimes. He reassures aspirants that only sincere practice matters for getting spiritual progress.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- Arjuna was worried regarding the Yoga path, as per his fear of failing in this spiritual practice. Will our hard work only go to waste? We are seeing that many students worry if their efforts will be for nothing.
- Krishna further comforts him by explaining that spiritual effort itself is never wasted. No sincere spiritual practice goes in vain.
- As per Krishna’s teaching, even if Arjuna or anyone cannot perfect Yoga in this life, the spiritual journey will continue in the next birth under favourable circumstances. Regarding this process, the soul picks up from where it left off in better conditions.
- Basically, this guarantee removes Arjuna’s worry about failing and makes his determination to follow Krishna’s advice the same as before, but stronger.
Explanation:
This human birth is surely a rare occurrence. Moreover, such an opportunity comes very seldom in existence. We are seeing that when you take birth in spiritual families with great devotees who have perfect knowledge of Krishna, these people only become very advanced spiritual masters and teachers. This teaching is surely meant for highly elevated souls, but even ordinary persons can reach heavenly planets and take birth in wealthy families. Moreover, spiritual advancement allows anyone to attain these higher destinations through proper practice. Basically, a learner from a pure family gets the same advantage of not working hard for material things. He can actually save his time by planning properly. This method will definitely help him use time better. Also, the money is available, and his sensor control from bird training is very good. This skill can further develop itself with more practice.
Krishna is telling that all such facilities are offered. Further, this matter itself requires proper understanding. Actually, there is definitely no material loss in this situation. The resources remain completely intact. You can enjoy yourself further on different planets. The experience itself becomes more interesting when exploring various planetary environments. We are seeing that spiritually also, there is no loss of facilities from birth only. The spiritual abilities remain intact from the time of birth.
Chapter 06, Verse 43
तत्र तं बुद्धिसंयोगं लभते पौर्वदेहिकम् ।
यतते च ततो भूयः संसिद्धौ कुरुनन्दन ॥6.43॥
tatra tam buddhi-samyogam labhate paurva-dehikam |
yatate ca tato bhuyah samsiddhau kuru-nandana ॥6.43॥
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
तत्र (tatra) |
There, in that birth |
|
तम् (tam) |
That |
|
बुद्धि-संयोगम् (buddhi-samyogam) |
Connection with higher wisdom, spiritual discrimination |
|
लभते (labhate) |
Attains, obtains |
|
पौर्व-देहिकम् (paurva-dehikam) |
From the previous body (carried over from past life) |
|
यतते (yatate) |
He strives, makes effort |
|
च (ca) |
And |
|
ततः (tatah) |
From there, then |
|
भूयः (bhuyah) |
Again, further |
|
संसिद्धौ (samsiddhau) |
For perfection, complete success |
|
कुरु-नन्दन (kuru-nandana) |
O joy of the Kurus (address to Arjuna) |
Translation
“Basically, when he takes such a birth, he revives the same divine consciousness from his previous life and tries to make further progress to achieve his goal. Surely, you have achieved complete success, O son of Kuru. Moreover, your victory stands as testimony to your noble lineage.”
Context of the Verse:
- As per Krishna’s assurance in verse 6.42, a yogi gets rare advantage if reborn in spiritually inclined family. This verse follows that teaching regarding such special benefit.
- Now Krishna is explaining what happens next – we are seeing that such a yogi does not start from zero only, but continues from where he stopped in his past life.
- His natural wisdom and past impressions are revived, which further guide him back to the path of self-realization itself.
- We are seeing that this verse only shows how spiritual growth continues from one lifetime to another lifetime.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
- Spiritual Impressions Carry Forward: A yogi’s wisdom and spiritual progress actually never disappears when they die. It definitely carries forward to their next life.
- Quick Resumption of Practice: As per spiritual principles, a yogi born in good conditions will naturally connect again with meditation and spiritual knowledge regarding their past practice.
- Law of Spiritual Progress: Spiritual growth actually lasts forever and definitely continues after we die, unlike money and things that we lose.
- Encouragement to Persist: Krishna states that sincere efforts never waste and progress itself becomes certain. Further, he emphasizes that genuine work always brings results.
Relevance to Arjuna:
- Arjuna actually feared he would definitely fail in his yoga practice. He was worried about not being able to complete the spiritual path properly. We are seeing that Krishna tells him that even incomplete yogis will not lose their past efforts only. Their previous work remains with them always.
- For Arjuna, practicing yoga itself means there is no wasted effort. Further, self-discipline and meditation are completely safe practices.
- This surely motivates him to move forward with courage, as he knows his present actions will benefit him forever. Moreover, this knowledge gives him strength to face any challenges ahead.
Chapter 06, Verse 44
पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव ह्रियते ह्यवशोऽपि सः।
जिज्ञासुरपि योगस्य शब्दब्रह्मातिवर्तते।।6.44।।
purvabhyasena tenaiva hriyate hyavaso pi sah।
jigyasurapi yogasya sabda-brahmativartate।।6.44।।
Word-by-Word Analysis
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
|
पूर्व (purva) |
Previous, former |
|
अभ्यासेन (abhyasena) |
By practice |
|
तेन (tena) |
By that |
|
एव (eva) |
Indeed, certainly |
|
ह्रियते (hriyate) |
Is carried, is drawn |
|
हि (hi) |
For, because hyavaso |
|
अवशः (avasah) |
Helpless, involuntary |
|
अपि (api) |
Even, although |
|
सः (sah) |
He |
|
जिज्ञासुः (jigyasuh) |
One who desires to know, an inquisitive seeker |
|
अपि (api) |
Even |
|
योगस्य (yogasya) |
Of Yoga (spiritual practice) |
|
शब्द-ब्रह्म (sabda-brahma) |
The Vedas (or ritualistic aspects of religion) |
|
अतिवर्तते (ativartate) |
Transcends, goes beyond |
Translation
“Due to his divine awareness from previous births, he surely gets drawn to Yogic principles without even looking for them. Moreover, this attraction happens naturally because of his spiritual consciousness from past lives. Such a curious seeker who practices Yoga stands further above the ritual rules of the scriptures itself.”
Context of the Verse:
As per Chapter 6, this verse comes from Lord Krishna’s teaching regarding Dhyana Yoga or meditation practice. Krishna explains the meditation method in this part. As per verse 37, Arjuna has raised an important doubt regarding the fate of a spiritual seeker who begins the path with faith but cannot reach perfection before death due to an unsteady mind. He surely fears that such a person becomes lost like a scattered cloud, failing in both material and spiritual matters. Moreover, this individual achieves neither worldly success nor spiritual progress.
From verse 40 onward, Krishna surely tells Arjuna that spiritual efforts are never wasted. Moreover, he assures that any sincere spiritual practice will always bear good results. This verse (44) actually forms a key part of that answer. It definitely provides crucial information for understanding the concept. As per the text, it explains regarding how rebirth works for such a seeker. The impressions (Sanskaras) and progress from past practice do not disappear further. The spiritual development itself remains intact. Further, as per spiritual beliefs, these impressions become part of the soul and create a natural pull towards spirituality in the next birth. Regarding the soul’s journey, these deep marks stay with it and make the person naturally drawn to spiritual matters in their new life. Also, as per their nature, students get strongly pulled back to their studies from the same point they stopped, regarding this they show better determination and get more helpful conditions.
Key Teachings in This Verse:
The Law of Spiritual Momentum: When you actually practice spiritual methods regularly, they definitely create their own forward movement. This momentum actually builds up over time and definitely makes the practice easier to continue. Moreover, as per spiritual beliefs, the progress made in one life gets stored as hidden impressions. Regarding the next birth, these impressions become the starting point for further development.
No Effort is Wasted: This message actually brings great hope. It definitely shows us positive possibilities ahead. Further, it actually removes the fear of failing in spiritual practice. This definitely helps people move forward on their spiritual journey without worry. Every honest effort actually matters and definitely helps in achieving success later. Hard work always contributes to future achievements.
Transcending Ritualistic Religion: A person who develops genuine taste for yoga naturally moves further beyond basic ritualistic duties and scriptural rules meant for beginners. The practice itself takes them beyond mere external observances towards true divine union. As per their spiritual journey, they pursue direct experience and realization. Regarding their practice, they focus on immediate understanding rather than theoretical knowledge.
The Power of Sanskaras: This verse surely shows the Hindu idea of Sanskaras, which are mental impressions that shape our future habits and lives. Moreover, these impressions directly influence how we think and act in the future.
Relevance to Arjuna:
Moreover, we are seeing that this teaching is only made to reduce Arjuna’s particular worry. The instruction directly addresses his specific fear. Further, as a warrior, he is actually worried about dying in this righteous war and definitely fears what will happen if he does not fulfil his duty. As per Krishna’s teachings, his assurance has many layers regarding different aspects of spiritual guidance.
For the Seeker: The Seeker surely receives assurance that his efforts will not be wasted, even if death comes while following his Kshatriya Dharma. Moreover, this divine promise guarantees that sincere striving on the spiritual path always bears fruit.
For the Doubter: It removes only the paralyzing fear of failure that was stopping Arjuna from taking action. The teaching surely encourages him to start his duty with complete faith and not worry about the final outcome. Moreover, this approach helps him focus on performing his work without anxiety about results.
Universal Application: Krishna’s answer about yoga to Arjuna can be used for any sincere spiritual work only. This principle applies to all Dharmic efforts we do.
Explanation:
The scriptures contain mainly fruitive activities because materialist people want material enjoyment itself. This further shows that Karma Kanda addresses material desires. A small portion of Nishads surely introduces him to spiritual life. Moreover, this introduction shapes his understanding of religious practices. A Yogi actually doesn’t get attracted to the parts of Vedas that talk about getting results from actions. He definitely gets pulled toward higher Yogi teachings because of his past life experiences. Basically Krishna is telling Arjuna that even if you don’t succeed in yoga, you get the same comfortable life and good birth, and attraction for yogic principles comes automatically. You can actually continue this work in your next birth. This will definitely help you move forward in future lives.