T he sixth chapter of the Geeta has been named as Atma Sanyama Yoga or the Yoga of self-control. While introducing the subject, Lord Krishna emphasises the significance of mental attitude of detachment from the fruits of actions for being a Sanyasi or a renunciate. In the Vedic scheme of things, renunciation is fundamentally a way of life without craving, attachment and mental agitations. Equipoise and equanimity are the hallmarks of renunciation. Just by donning the saffron robes, nobody can become a renunciate. Renunciation is nothing, but a Yogic way of life. Yogic way of life is based upon calming down the turbulent waves of the mind and cultivating equilibrium and balance. That’s why Lord Krishna has propounded that both renunciation and Yoga are the same practices. We find this thread of reconciliation amongst different methods of self-evolution throughout the Geeta. The Yogic way of life cannot be nurtured without self-control. A man is himself responsible for either his upliftment or downfall. A well controlled self is the friend, while a self without restraint is a great enemy.

 

Self control leads to peace and balance. A Yogi equipped with knowledge and wisdom is established into a balanced state of consciousness. In order to achieve this exalted state of awareness, one needs to practise meditation in silence and solitude. The Geeta prescribes very detailed protocols for meditation. Sitting erect with a straight spine, the practitioner is required to control his sense organs and concentrate his mind. The mind thus harmonised through meditation merges into serenity and bliss. Lord Krishna cautions against excessiveness of indulgence or renunciation. A moderate way of life is recommended for a successful practitioner of self discovery. Balanced food, recreation, actions, sleep and awakening are conducive to a blissful life. Cleansed of all the impurities and dualism, a spiritual seeker sees himself in all and all in himself. This is the greatest message of the universal brotherhood given by the Geeta. After hearing all these preachings by Lord Krishna, Arjuna poses a very pertinent question.

 

He expresses his inability to practise Yoga, citing the reason that he cannot concentrate his mind as the mind is fickle, turbulent and not under control. The control of the mind is as difficult as to catch the wind. Even today everyone faces the problem of mental focus and concentration. That’s why it is easier to practise Asanas and Pranayama, but not the meditation so easily. Upon hearing the question of Arjuna Lord Krishna recommends that constant practice and a dispassionate approach are the best tools to control the mind. Towards the end of the chapter, Arjuna asks what happens if Yoga is not perfected in the present life. Emphasising the core beliefs of the Vedic culture, Lord Krishna cites the concepts of the Law of Karma and the transmigration of the soul where merits and demerits are both carried forward into the next birth. The body dies, but not the consciousness. It again manifests into the Karmic world till it is totally transformed into the cosmic consciousness.The chapter ends with the grand declaration that Yoga is better than ascetism, mere knowledge and desired driven actions.