Bhagavad Gita

Shrimad Bhagavad Gita: Dhyana Yogam: Chapter 6: Verse 37

Bhagavad Gita - krishna

(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

A Person Embarks On A Spiritual Quest With Sincerity, But Loses Concentration Along The Way And Becomes Lost

अयति: श्रद्धयोपेतो योगाच्चलितमानस: |
अप्राप्य योगसंसिद्धिं कां गतिं कृष्ण गच्छति || 6.37||

arjuna uvācha

ayatiḥ śhraddhayopeto yogāch chalita-mānasaḥ
aprāpya yoga-sansiddhiṁ kāṅ gatiṁ kṛiṣhṇa gachchhati|| 37||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 6- Ver. 37:

Arjun said: What happens to the unsuccessful yogi who begins the path with trust, but who, because of an unsettled mind, does not exert adequate effort and is unable to achieve Yog’s goal in this life?

Explanation

The path to God-realization starts with faith. Many serious souls develop trust in the divine understanding of the scriptures as a result of past life sanskaras, saintly associations, and so on. Many factors can contribute to the need for to begin the journey. However, if these seekers do not make sufficient effort and become lazy, the mind will stay restless. Such aspirants would not be able to finish their path in this life. Arjuna wonders what happens to such sadhakas.

What happens if a seeker tries consistently and persistently to meditate but never achieves the level of the perfected meditator in his lifetime? It takes a long time and a lot of effort to achieve meditation perfection. Purification of the mind with karma yoga takes time once it begins. Even more time is required for hearing and reflecting on the scriptures. Overall, even if a seeker is earnest, achieving the aim of meditation will take a long period.

Arjuna formulates his question to Shri Krishna in light of this. He uses the example of a seeker who has purified his mind to a large degree but still has a minor amount of desire. He’s asking his teacher if it’s worthwhile to pursue the spiritual path. It’s a practical question that many of us are afraid to ask or neglect to address before starting on any endeavour, let alone one on the spiritual road.

Verse & what we can learn

What happens to a person who lacks self-control yet possesses shraddha? In reality, only around one in a million persons who follow the path of spirituality achieve Perfection. Typically, a person begins their spiritual path with earnestness, then loses focus and wanders off course. Alternatively, one may progress to a certain point before giving up because the journey becomes increasingly difficult. Continuous efforts and constant introspection is necessary to achieve success in spirituality.

To acquire knowledge and to implement that knowledge in life one needs to be mentally and physically active and healthy and for that daily meditation is a great tool.

There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the Next verses, Arjuna further expands upon his question.

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…

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