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The Sixth Chapter of Gita is called ‘Atma-Sanyam Yoga’
or the ‘Dhyana Yoga’ - meaning the Yoga of Meditation. The chapter has 47
shlokas, and begins with the statement of Lord.
The preparations to awake to the ‘state of being’
start much before our sitting sessions – in the field of our actions. Lord
Krishna begins the discourse by telling that whoever masters the art of
acting dynamically without any dependences and expectations whatsoever is truly a sanyasi and a yogi. Refreshing the lesson of
Karma Yoga, and revealing its great role in meditation Lord goes about to
reveal that one should resort to the field of action to become a
Yogaroodha, and having become such a person with an equanimous mind and
then alone should work to truly quieten the mind. To first become a
Yogaroodha should be the aim of every meditator. Nobody can help us attain this
state from outside. We have to work for this state of mind and slowly
attain this. A person who has his senses under control is like being one’s
own friend, otherwise one keeps on creating
obstacles for one’s own self.
Having brought about the necessary equanimity one
should temporarily retire to a quiet place and there practice the art &
science of meditation. Lord provides all the possible big & small tips
for this inward journey to ones own self. The crux of the whole sadhana is
to quieten the vacillating mind, and turn ones entire attention to ones own
Self. Lord suggests that one should strive to lead a very balanced life.
Normal food, sleep & exercises. Excesses may fascinate but are of no
value whatsoever. When the mind abides in one’s own self, at that time one
should see to it that the meditator should learn to ‘be’ in that state.
This is our most natural state from which we have erroneously fallen, so
effort should be made to re-attain & own up our true self & nature.
The experience of awakening & being in ones state
is beyond words. It is total fulfillment. At that time one clearly sees the
entire play of mind within oneself, and also sees oneself as the self of
all. Such a person lives a life which is of true love for one & all,
because such a person sees but his own self in one & all, like a mother
sees herself in her children.
In the end of the chapter Arjuna asks few questions.
One pertains to the helplessness of our inability of reining the disturbed
mind, and the other regarding the possible life hereafter for one who is
striving hard but unfortunately died before he could attain the cherished
state. Lord satisfactorily answers both the questions, by saying that
however much the disturbed the mind may be it can still be reined by proper
practice and renunciation. Finally answering the second question Lord says
any progress towards the ultimate is never in vain, and goes about
revealing the various kinds of possible births of such a person, thus
inspiring Arjuna to not let any procrastination overtake him to tread this
great path of redemption & fulfillment.
Thus ends the sixth chapter of Bhagwad Gita.
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