Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.16
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः । न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन ॥१६॥
nātyaśnatastu yogo'sti na caikāntamanaśnataḥ | na cātisvapnaśīlasya jāgrato naiva cārjuna ||16||
Complete Shloka Translation
Yoga is not for one who eats excessively or does not eat at all, Arjuna; nor for one who sleeps excessively or remains constantly awake.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| न | na | not |
| अति-अश्नतः | ati-aśnataḥ | of one who eats excessively |
| तु | tu | indeed |
| योगः | yogaḥ | Yoga / spiritual realization |
| अस्ति | asti | is possible |
| न च | na ca | nor also |
| एकान्तम् अनश्नतः | ekāntam anaśnataḥ | of one who fasts completely without eating |
| न च | na ca | nor also |
| अति-स्वप्न-शीलस्य | ati-svapna-śīlasya | of one who indulges in excessive sleep |
| जाग्रतः | jāgrataḥ | of one remaining sleeplessly awake |
| न एव च | na eva ca | nor surely |
| अर्जुन | arjuna | O Arjuna |
not
of one who eats excessively
indeed
Yoga / spiritual realization
is possible
nor also
of one who fasts completely without eating
nor also
of one who indulges in excessive sleep
of one remaining sleeplessly awake
nor surely
O Arjuna
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna rejects extremes in food and sleep within yoga practice. The verse offers a principle of moderation, not numerical prescriptions.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Discipline need not become an extreme that undermines balance."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Where has discipline become an unnecessary extreme?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master mental clarity and resilience: when your mind wanders into anxiety or distraction, gently bring it back without judgment, maintaining balance in food, sleep, work, and mindful reflection.