Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.17
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु । युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा ॥१७॥
yuktāhāravihārasya yuktaceṣṭasya karmasu | yuktasvapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkhahā ||17||
Complete Shloka Translation
For one balanced in food and recreation, measured in work, and balanced in sleep and waking, yoga becomes the remover of suffering.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| युक्त-आहार-विहारस्य | yukta-āhāra-vihārasya | for one balanced in eating and healthy recreation |
| युक्त-चेष्टस्य | yukta-ceṣṭasya | moderate and disciplined in physical exertion |
| कर्मसु | karmasu | in all daily duties and actions |
| युक्त-स्वप्न-अवबोधस्य | yukta-svapna-avabodhasya | regulated in sleep and wakefulness |
| योगः | yogaḥ | this practice of Yoga |
| भवति | bhavati | becomes |
| दुःख-हा | duḥkha-hā | the total destroyer of all afflictions and pain |
for one balanced in eating and healthy recreation
moderate and disciplined in physical exertion
in all daily duties and actions
regulated in sleep and wakefulness
this practice of Yoga
becomes
the total destroyer of all afflictions and pain
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Moderation now includes recreation and work as well as food and sleep. Freedom from suffering is the spiritual aim described in the surrounding passage.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Daily balance can support a practice that remains sustainable."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which part of your daily rhythm needs more balance?
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.