Chapter 6, Verse 36 (Bhagavad Gita 6.36)
Chapter 6: Dhyān Yog – Path of Meditation
Sanskrit Shloka
असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मतिः। वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः
Transliteration
asaṅyatātmanā yogo duṣhprāpa iti me matiḥ vaśhyātmanā tu yatatā śhakyo ’vāptum upāyataḥ
Word Meanings
asanyata-ātmanā—one whose mind is unbridled; yogaḥ—Yog; duṣhprāpaḥ—difficult to attain; iti—thus; me—my; matiḥ—opinion; vaśhya-ātmanā—by one whose mind is controlled; tu—but; yatatā—one who strives; śhakyaḥ—possible; avāptum—to achieve; upāyataḥ—by right means
Translation
I believe that Yoga is difficult to attain for one whose mind is uncontrolled, but for one who has mastered their self and strives through the right means, it is attainable.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse highlights that spiritual realization is not an arbitrary gift but a consequence of disciplined inner work. It teaches that the mind, when left to its own whims, acts as a barrier, but when tamed, becomes the very vehicle for enlightenment. The 'appropriate means' mentioned by Krishna refers to the systematic practice of abhyasa (consistent effort) and vairagya (detachment). Ultimately, it emphasizes that while the path is challenging, no human is inherently disqualified from perfection if they are willing to exercise self-regulation and persistent striving.