Bhagavad Gita · Verse 6.36
Chapter 6: Atma Sanyama Yoga (Dhyana Yoga) (आत्मसंयमयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मतिः । वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः ॥३६॥
asaṃyatātmanā yogo duṣprāpa iti me matiḥ | vaśyātmanā tu yatatā śakyo'vāptumupāyataḥ ||36||
Complete Shloka Translation
In my view, yoga is difficult to attain for one without self-restraint. But one who strives with self-mastery can attain it through appropriate means.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| वश्यात्मना | vaśyātmanā | by one with self-mastery |
| उपायतः | upāyataḥ | through appropriate means |
| असंयतात्मना | asaṃyatātmanā | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| योगो | yogo | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| दुष्प्राप | duṣprāpa | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| इति | iti | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| मे | me | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| मतिः | matiḥ | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| तु | tu | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| यतता | yatatā | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः | śakyo'vāptumupāyataḥ | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
| ३६ | śakyo'vāptumupāyataḥ | [term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ... |
by one with self-mastery
through appropriate means
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
[term] in context of In my view, yoga is difficult ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Krishna does not deny attainability, but connects it with restraint and effort. Upayatah highlights appropriate means, continuing the answer of 6.35.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Effort becomes more useful when supported by suitable methods."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What suitable method would make your effort more effective?
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.