Chapter 6 - Dhyāna-yoga
Posted: Sun Mar 23, 2025 5:56 am
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).
(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).