Chapter 6

Dhyana Yoga

Practice of Meditation

The topics covered in this Chapter are:

1. Relationship of Jnyana and Yoga  (Sannyasa and Yoga or Sankhya and Yoga).
2. Importance of One’s Own Constant and Steady Effort.
   • State of Perfection with concentrated effort.
   • Event the slightest effort is uplifting.
3. Necessity of Spiritual Knowledge and Objective Knowledge(Jnyana and Vignyana).
4. Method of Meditation to gain mental focus and tranquility.
5. Wisdom of engaging in Optimal Food, Activity and Recreation while seeped in Yoga.
6. Practice of Seeing Oneself in All and Gaining Mental Peace.

SUMMARY

In the previous chapters SriKrishna has clearly stressed that one should engage in Action, performing one’s duties with equanimity and gain the Knowledge of the all pervading Self or Brahman.  To reach state of perfection stated in the previous chapters – the Sthitaprajnya or Brahmabhuta, is no easy task, seems almost impossible to most of us. SriKrishna also told that the desire and anger make their abode in the mind and senses and destroy the Objective Knowledge and Spiritual Knowledge.  SriKrishna explained that the force of Rajas constituent of Prakriti is very strong and can overpower even the strongest person.  SriKrishna told about the Knowledge and Wisdom one has to acquire to take control of these aspects. Here, in Chapter 6 SriKrishna reveals some methods of meditation that is helpful to steady the mind and senses and gain ability to focus on the proper goal, a  preparation needed in the effort to wards perfection by Action.

SriKrishna begins with a clear explanation of  the relation of Sannyasa and Yoga.   Real Sannyasa or renunciation is the inward renunciation of fruit of Action and not outward renunciation of Action itself.  No one can abandon action until all desires and seeking have left.   For one who is on the road for gaining peace of mind and perfection (practically everyone),  action directed towards fulfilling  Dharmic desires and material wealth becomes the means for progress.  After reaching perfection (Knowledge of the Divine dwelling everywhere and in everything fills his mind, will, heart and whole being), the peace and mastery acquired becomes the means for action with love for all.

Keeping in mind that the Atman present in oneself and in all beings is ever perfect, ever free, one has to put forth constant effort to enable this innate potential to manifest from him.  This way one will become one’s own best friend.  If one does not recognize the perfect Atman within himself,  sways with the tossing of mind and sense desires, he will miss the true purpose and the great potential of life.  To progress and achieve perfection in any life activities, concentration of mind is essential.  Needless to say that the mental focus is indispensable to direct all life activities towards Self-Knowledge.  Some methods of Meditation that helps to focus the mind and senses are described.   A tranquil, clean, pious place without distractions is to be chosen.   One needs to sit in solitude in a stable, comfortable position, and meditate on the all pervading Divine for purification of the mind.  Gradually, one gains mastery and culminates in the Divine presence taking hold of all his being and he sees the Divine equally present in all and his desires are unified and fulfilled and he continues to do his duties for public benefit.   This inspires everyone to strive to accomplish what he has accomplished.  This is the highest benefit of his mastery of mind and mental concentration he has gained.

SriKrishna assures that the above said perfected state is within the reach of every human being.  No one needs to feel daunted by the seemingly unsurmountable barrier, the wavering mind.  SriKrishna assures that even the slightest, sincere effort does not go wasted even if he approaches death before reaching perfection.  SriKrishna assures that his next birth would be in a situation where he will progress further.

The chapter 6 closes with SriKrishna’s clear verdict that a Karma-Yogi is superior to Tapasvi (one who is Self-absorbed in meditation), Karma-Yogi is superior to one seeped in Knowledge, Karma-Yogi is superior to one who performs Actions (Desire prompted). Sri Krishna says: “Therefore Oh Arjuna, you become a Karma-Yogi.  Even among the Karma-Yogis the best is one who keeps the mind fixed in ME and worships ME devotedly”.   This is the harmony of Knowledge, Action and Devotion expanded in the further chapters of The Bhagavad Gita.

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