Chapter 6, Verse 23 (Bhagavad Gita 6.23)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
तं विद्याद् दुःखसंयोगवियोगं योगसंज्ञितम्। स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा
Transliteration
taṁ vidyād duḥkha-sanyoga-viyogaṁ yogasaṅjñitam sa niśhchayena yoktavyo yogo ’nirviṇṇa-chetasā
Word Meanings
tam—that; vidyāt—you should know; duḥkha-sanyoga-viyogam—state of severance from union with misery; yoga-saṁjñitam—is known as yog; saḥ—that; niśhchayena—resolutely; yoktavyaḥ—should be practiced; yogaḥ—yog; anirviṇṇa-chetasā—with an undeviating mind
Translation
Know that this state of detachment from the experience of suffering is called Yoga. One must practice this Yoga with firm resolve and an undaunted, steady mind.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse defines Yoga not merely as physical posture, but as a psychological state of liberation from the roots of misery. By learning to disidentify from the fluctuations of the mind, one cuts the cord connecting the Self to external pain. The requirement of a 'determined and undaunted' mind highlights that spiritual discipline is a courageous journey, demanding resilience against the inevitable obstacles of the ego. Ultimately, it teaches that true peace is found when we cease our internal habit of clinging to suffering, allowing us to remain anchored in the stillness of our true nature.