Those who aspire to attain the state of Yog should live in solitude, consistently engaging in meditation, maintaining control over their mind and body, and freeing themselves from desires and material possessions meant for enjoyment. Description Shree Krishna describes the self-preparation required for attaining the state of Yog. Just as mastery in any field, such …
Yogis view everyone—well-wishers, friends, foes, the virtuous, and sinners—with an impartial mind. A yogi who maintains an equal mindset towards friends, companions, and foes, remains neutral among enemies and relatives, and is unbiased between the righteous and the sinful, is regarded as exceptional among humans. Description It is natural for the human mind to respond …
Yogis who find contentment in knowledge and discernment and have mastered their senses remain composed in all situations. They view everything—be it dirt, stones, or gold—with equal regard. Description Jñāna, or knowledge, is the theoretical understanding gained from listening to the Guru and studying the scriptures. Vijñāna is the realization of that knowledge as an …
Yogis who have mastered their minds transcend the dualities of life such as cold and heat, joy and sorrow, and honor and dishonor. They maintain inner peace and steadfast devotion to God, regardless of external circumstances. Description In verse 2.14, Shree Krishna explains that the experiences of heat and cold, joy and sorrow arise from …
For those who have mastered their mind, it becomes their friend. For those who haven’t, the mind acts like an enemy. Description We waste a significant amount of our mental energy and strength battling people we perceive as enemies. However, the Vedic scriptures teach that our greatest enemies—lust, anger, greed, envy, illusion, etc.—reside within our …
A person who is neither attached to sense objects nor to actions, and who has renounced all desires for the fruits of actions, is considered to be elevated in the science of Yog. Description We are responsible for our own spiritual elevation or debasement. Saints and Gurus can guide us, but we must walk the …
A person who is neither attached to sense objects nor to actions, and who has renounced all desires for the fruits of actions, is considered to be elevated in the science of Yog. Description Shree Krishna uses the term sānkhya to refer to karm sanyās, or the renunciation of actions through knowledge. There are two …
For a soul striving for perfection in Yog, performing work without attachment is the recommended path; for a sage who has already reached an elevated state in Yog, tranquility in meditation is considered the way. Description In chapter 3, verse 3, Shree Krishna mentioned two paths to attain welfare—the path of contemplation and the path …
What is known as sanyās is essentially the same as Yog, as no one can become a yogi without renouncing worldly desires. Description A sanyāsī is one who renounces the pleasures of the mind and senses. However, mere renunciation is not the ultimate goal nor is it sufficient to reach it. Renunciation means that we …
The Supreme Lord said: True sanyāsīs (renunciates) and yogis are those who perform their prescribed duties without desiring the fruits of their actions, rather than those who have merely given up performing sacrifices like Agnihotra yajna or abandoned physical activities. Description The Vedas describe ritualistic activities, including fire sacrifices like Agnihotra yajna. For those entering …
