Chapter 6, Verse 16 (Bhagavad Gita 6.16)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः। न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन
Transliteration
nātyaśhnatastu yogo ’sti na chaikāntam anaśhnataḥ na chāti-svapna-śhīlasya jāgrato naiva chārjuna
Word Meanings
na—not; ati—too much; aśhnataḥ—of one who eats; tu—however; yogaḥ—Yog; asti—there is; na—not; cha—and; ekāntam—at all; anaśhnataḥ—abstaining from eating; na—not; cha—and; ati—too much; svapna-śhīlasya—of one who sleeps; jāgrataḥ—of one who does not sleep enough; na—not; eva—certainly; cha—and; arjuna—Arjun
Translation
Verily, Yoga is not for him who eats too much, nor for him who does not eat at all; it is not for him who sleeps too much, nor for him who keeps awake, O Arjuna.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse establishes the principle of moderation, known as Yuktahara, as the foundational pillar for spiritual progress. It suggests that extremes in physical habits create mental disturbances—either lethargy or agitation—that block the clarity required for meditation. True yoga is not an act of self-mortification or indulgence, but a balanced lifestyle that honors the body as a temple for the soul. By cultivating equilibrium in our daily rhythms, we pacify the restless mind and create the stability necessary to experience our higher consciousness. It is a timeless reminder that spiritual transcendence begins with the mastery of our biological and psychological needs.