The Bhagavad Gita, an ancient Indian text that has formed the crux of Hindu philosophy for millennia, is revered for its profound teachings that transcend religious boundaries. This sacred scripture is a 700-verse epic that is a part of the Indian epic Mahabharata. Among its 18 chapters, Chapter 6 holds a special place as it delves into the Yoga of Self-Control. Let’s embark on a journey to explore the crucial teachings of Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita and how they can be practically applied in our daily lives.
The Yoga of Self-Control
Chapter 6, also known as “Dhyana Yoga” or the “Yoga of Meditation”, demonstrates how to reach a state of perfect tranquility and equanimity through disciplined self-control and meditation. It emphasizes the need for a balanced life, steering clear of extremes, and finding stability in the internal self rather than the external world.
Main Teachings of Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita
1. The True Yogic Path: Krishna, the guide and charioteer, explains to the protagonist Arjuna that the real yogi is not one who merely renounces all activities but someone who does his duties dispassionately, without being attached to the fruits of the work. This concept is known as “Karma Yoga” or the path of selfless action.
2. Balance in Life: Krishna stresses the importance of moderation in everything we do – be it sleeping, eating, working, or leisure. This balance helps in attaining mental peace, essential for meditation and eventually for achieving a tranquil state of mind.
3. Self-Control and Meditation: The chapter underlines the power of self-discipline and meditation. Krishna mentions that the mind is restless and difficult to control, but with practice and detachment, it can be harnessed. The mind under control acts like a friend, but an uncontrolled one behaves like an enemy.
4. Universal Equality: The chapter also highlights Krishna’s teachings on the equality of all beings. A true yogi perceives a learned and humble sage, an elephant, a cow, a dog, or an outcast with an equal eye. This profound understanding of universal oneness transcends the barriers of species, caste, or status.
Practical Applications
1. Practicing Detachment: One can practice detachment by doing their duty, not for rewards or recognition but for the sake of the task itself. This could help reduce stress and anxiety associated with success or failure and lead to more contentment.
2. Balancing Aspects of Life: Maintaining a balance in daily routines, diet, sleep, work, and recreation is vital. Regular exercise, adequate rest, a balanced diet, and dedicated work can help in achieving this harmony.
3. Regular Practice of Meditation: Incorporating meditation into our daily routine can help control our restless mind and eventually lead to inner peace. Start with a few minutes each day and gradually increase the time. The focus should be on calming the mind rather than forcefully trying to control it.
4. Practicing Equality and Compassion: Treat everyone equally irrespective of their societal status or background. This practice will lead to the reduction of prejudice and discrimination, paving the way for a more inclusive society.
5. Self-Control: To resist temptations and distractions, we can adopt techniques like mindfulness, focusing on the present moment without judgement, or cognitive restructuring, where we change our negative thought patterns.
The teachings of Chapter 6 of Bhagavad Gita are timeless and universal. They address the fundamental dilemmas faced by individuals across the spectrum of human experience.
Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita – A summary
In conclusion, Chapter 6 of the Bhagavad Gita provides deep insight into mastering the art of self-control and balance. The teachings are not restricted to any one faith or era, but are universally applicable to our everyday life. Implementing the principles of Karma Yoga, maintaining equilibrium in lifestyle, harnessing the power of meditation, practicing equality and compassion, and developing self-control can significantly enhance our mental peace and life quality. The essence of this chapter is an invitation to self-reflection, self-regulation, and self-transcendence, encapsulating a profound philosophy that goes beyond religion and reaches the realm of spirituality. As we adapt these principles in our daily lives, we foster a healthier, more balanced and compassionate existence.
This article is part of a Bhagavad Gita series, you can read more at the links below….
Chapter 1, Chapter 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5, Chapter 6, Chapter 7, Chapter 8, Chapter 9, Chapter 10, Chapter 11, Chapter 12, Chapter 13, Chapter 14, Chapter 15, Chapter 16, Chapter 17 and Chapter 18.