असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मतिः। वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः।।6.36।।
asaṁyatātmānā yogaḥ duṣprāpa iti me matiḥ | vaśyātmānā tu yatatā śakyo'vāptum upāyataḥ || 6.36 ||
Translation
Yoga is difficult to attain for one whose mind is unbridled. However, for one whose mind is controlled, who strives earnestly, it is possible to achieve through proper means. This is My opinion.
Word Meanings
asaṁyata — unbridled; ātmanā — by the mind; yogaḥ — self-realization; duṣprāpaḥ — difficult to obtain; iti — thus; me — My; matiḥ — opinion; vaśya — controlled; ātmanā — by the mind; tu — but; yatatā — while endeavoring; śakyaḥ — practical; avāptum — to achieve; upāyataḥ — by appropriate means.
Understanding the Verse
Verse 6.36 delivers a concise yet profound assessment of the inner conditions required for the successful practice of yoga. The first half of the verse, "asaṁyatātmānā yogaḥ duṣprāpa," emphasizes that a mind which roams unchecked, driven by scattered desires and emotions, makes the attainment of yoga exceedingly hard. The word "asaṁyata" connotes a state of restlessness and lack of discipline, where thoughts jump from one object to another without any anchoring. Such mental turbulence creates a veil that obscures the subtle self‑realization that yoga aims to reveal. In practical terms, a person whose mind is perpetually distracted—whether by external stimuli, personal ambitions, or emotional upheavals—finds it almost impossible to maintain the sustained concentration (dharana) and meditation (dhyana) essential for union with the divine.
The second clause, "vaśyātmānā tu yatatā śakyo'vāptum upāyataḥ," introduces the remedy. Here, "vaśyātmāna" refers to a mind that has been mastered, brought under the control of the intellect and will. The verb "yatata" conveys diligent effort, implying that mind‑control is not a passive state but the outcome of persistent, disciplined practice. The term "śakyo'vāptum" denotes the feasibility of reaching the goal, while "upāyataḥ" signifies the proper means or methodology. Together, these words assert that through appropriate techniques—such as regular meditation, ethical conduct (yamas and niyamas), breath regulation (prāṇāyāma), and a steady commitment to self‑inquiry—a practitioner can transition from a restless to a controlled mind, thereby rendering yoga attainable.
Krishna’s declaration "iti me matiḥ" (this is My opinion) underscores that this assessment is not merely a doctrinal dictum but a practical insight offered by the Divine Teacher himself. It reflects a compassionate realism: the path to spiritual liberation is open to all, but success depends on the aspirant’s inner preparation. By highlighting the prerequisite of mental discipline, the verse subtly guides seekers to first cultivate inner order before expecting lofty mystical experiences.
In contemporary life, where information overload and multitasking dominate, this verse carries renewed relevance. Modern practitioners can interpret "asaṁyata" as the constant ping of digital notifications, social media distractions, and the incessant chase of achievements. The prescription remains the same: cultivate mindful awareness, limit mental clutter, and adopt systematic yogic practices. When the mind becomes a calm lake rather than a turbulent river, the seeker can look inward without obstruction, experiencing the true essence of yoga—union with the Self and the Supreme.
