Chapter 6 • Verse 16

Dhyana Yoga

The Yoga of Meditation

Sanskrit Verse

Naty-ashnatas tu yogo 'sti na caikantam anashnatah, na cati-svapna-shilasya jagrato naiva carjuna

Translation & Meaning

Yoga is not for one who eats too much or too little, nor for one who sleeps too much or too little, O Arjuna. The middle path of balanced living is the foundation of sustained yogic practice; extremes in any direction undermine the delicate inner work.

Key Teachings

  • •Moderation in eating and sleeping enables sustained yoga
  • •Extremes — excess or deficiency — both obstruct spiritual practice
  • •The yoga path is the middle way between indulgence and austerity

Topics

moderationeatingsleepmiddle pathbalanced living
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