« The Song of God—Volume 1, chapters 1-6
A map of the sixth chapter
In the sixth chapter, Kṛṣṇa concludes His explanation of the path of jñāna-yoga, explaining its natural progression, the path of meditation. While explaining dhyāna-yoga, however, He stresses that the perfection of this path is Kṛṣṇa consciousness. He thus explains the aṣṭāṅga-yoga system, including renunciation, control of the mind, and the meditational process itself, but concludes that the best yogī is the devotee. The goal of jñāna-yoga and dhyāna-yoga is the same as that of karma-yoga and buddhi-yoga: to elevate one to the platform of pure devotional service.
The keys are:
Stages - Discipline - Samādhi - Process
Mind - Continuity - Devotion
Stages: Yogārurukṣu and yogārūḍha (6.1 to 6.9)
Some may see the yoga process as a form of escapism to avoid pressing responsibilities, as Arjuna was inclined to in the beginning of the Gītā. Kṛṣṇa thus starts by emphasizing the previous conclusion: one who works without attachment to the fruits of work is the true sannyāsī and the true yogī. From this point, He then distinguishes between the beginner, who must continue working in a regulated way to purify the mind, and the advanced yogī, who has controlled the mind and become steady in realization, seeing stones and gold, friends and enemies, etc., with an equal mind.
Discipline: The practice of aṣṭāṅga-yoga (6.10 to 6.15)
Kṛṣṇa describes the practical process of aṣṭāṅga-yoga as requiring seclusion, control of the mind and senses, and celibacy, with the purpose of meditating on Paramātmā in the heart. The goal is to fix one’s mind on the transcendental form of the Lord, making Him the ultimate goal of life.
Samādhi: The perfectional state of meditation (6.16 to 6.23)
A yogī cannot advance by artificial extremes; he must regulate his habits so the mind becomes peaceful and fit for spiritual realization. When the mind becomes controlled, it becomes steady like a lamp in a windless place. This steadiness becomes the foundation for meditation on the transcendental form of the Lord, culminating in samādhi.
Process: The vision of the perfect yogī (6.24 to 6.32)
In this section, Kṛṣṇa gives the process that allows the yogī to reach this stage. This follows a recurring formula in the Gītā, where Kṛṣṇa first declares the goal, and then describes the process to reach it. One has to give up the idea of sense gratification and focus the mind upon the Self (Paramātmā inside the heart) to the point of seeing the Lord everywhere and seeing all living beings with equal vision. The mind will wander, but one has to bring it back. Eventually, one reaches the level of seeing the Lord everywhere and seeing all living beings with equal spiritual vision.
Mind: Controlling the turbulent mind (6.33 to 6.36)
After hearing the high standards of the process of meditation, Arjuna rejects the process. Kṛṣṇa agrees that controlling the mind is difficult, but explains that it is possible through practice and detachment. The deeper meaning is that the mind can be controlled through the process of Kṛṣṇa consciousness, the direct process Kṛṣṇa will explain in the following chapters.
Continuity: The fate of the unsuccessful yogī (6.37 to 6.45): What happens to one who begins spiritual practice but fails to attain perfection? Kṛṣṇa assures that spiritual progress is never lost. One is born in a favorable situation and resumes his previous practice. Even if it takes many lives, one becomes cleansed of all contamination and attains the ultimate goal. Spiritual practice is thus our only permanent asset.
Devotion: The devotee is the topmost yogī (6.46 and 6.47): The yogī is greater than the ascetic, the philosopher, and the fruitive worker, because yoga means linking one’s consciousness with the Supreme. Still, even among yogīs, the highest is the devotee who always thinks of Kṛṣṇa with faith and serves Him with love. Thus He again emphasizes that bhakti-yoga is the culmination of all other yoga processes.
Through the Stages of yoga,
Discipline steadies the mind.
In Samādhi, one turns toward Kṛṣṇa;
through the yogic Process, all distraction is left behind.
Though the Mind must be brought and kept on course,
no sincere effort ever loses force.
Through Continuity, from life to life, one regains the right direction;
and Devotion is revealed as yoga’s final perfection.
Read the entire book:
« The Song of God—Volume 1, chapters 1-6
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