Chapter 6 - Dhyāna-yoga

[Bhava dasa (ACBSP)]

Summary Outline of Bhagavad-gita As It Is: Chapter 6 – Dhyana-yoga
(The Yoga of Meditation)

Chapter 6 explains Dhyana-yoga (the yoga of meditation), emphasizing the importance of self-discipline, renunciation, and devotion to Krishna. Krishna teaches that a true yogi is not one who merely renounces the world but one who meditates on and surrenders to Him with love and devotion.

1. The True Yogi – Karma-yoga and Renunciation (Verses 1-9)
• Krishna explains that true renunciation (sannyasa) means performing duty without attachment to results.
• A real yogi is superior to ascetics, scholars, and ritualistic performers.
• A self-realized yogi sees all beings equally—friends, enemies, the rich, the poor, and even animals—because he recognizes the eternal soul beyond the body.

2. The Process of Meditation (Verses 10-17)
• A yogi should meditate in seclusion, control the mind, and fix it on the Supersoul (Paramatma) within the heart.
• Krishna describes the ideal meditation environment—a quiet place, a seat that is neither too high nor too low, and a steady posture.
• The yogi should eat and sleep in moderation—excessive austerity or indulgence leads to failure in yoga.

3. The Goal of Meditation – Liberation and Peace (Verses 18-32)
• A perfect yogi experiences transcendental bliss by uniting with the Supersoul within.
• The highest realization is that Krishna is the ultimate object of meditation.
• A truly advanced yogi sees Krishna in all beings and all beings in Krishna, understanding that He is the source of everything.
• Such a yogi attains permanent peace and liberation.

4. The Destiny of Imperfect Yogis (Verses 33-45)
• Arjuna asks what happens to one who begins the spiritual path but fails to reach perfection.
• Krishna reassures that a fallen yogi is never lost—he is reborn in a pious family and resumes his spiritual progress.
• Over multiple lifetimes, he continues his journey until he achieves full realization and liberation.

5. The Highest Yogi – The Devotee of Krishna (Verses 46-47)
• Krishna declares that of all yogis, the greatest is the one who worships Him with love and devotion (bhakti-yogi).
• Devotional service (bhakti-yoga) is the highest and most complete form of yoga.
• Final instruction: “Always think of Me, worship Me, and offer your love to Me—this is the perfection of yoga.”

Conclusion

Chapter 6 teaches that the ultimate goal of yoga is Krishna consciousness:
1. A true yogi is not one who simply renounces but one who meditates on Krishna.
2. Dhyana-yoga leads to self-realization and peace.
3. Even an imperfect yogi continues spiritual progress in future lives.
4. Bhakti-yoga (devotion to Krishna) is the highest form of yoga.

This chapter transitions into Chapter 7, where Krishna explains His divine nature and the path of devotion (bhakti).