Bhagavad Gita 6.23

Dhyana Yoga · English Translation

Let that be known by the name of Yoga, the severance from union with pain. This Yoga should be practised with determination and with an undesponding mind.

Sanskrit

तं विद्याद् दुःखसंयोगवियोगं योगसंज्ञितम् | स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा ||६-२३||

Transliteration

taṃ vidyād duḥkhasaṃyogaviyogaṃ yogasaṃjñitam . sa niścayena yoktavyo yogo.anirviṇṇacetasā ||6-23||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna defines the ultimate goal of meditation as a state where one is completely severed from all suffering and pain. He instructs Arjuna that true Yoga is identified by this freedom from sorrow, achieved through deep spiritual practice. To attain this state, Krishna advises maintaining unwavering determination and an undiscouraged mind throughout the journey.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is central to Dhyana Yoga (the yoga of meditation) but relies on principles from Sankhya philosophy regarding the distinction between the suffering mind and the eternal self. It develops the concept that true liberation involves a severance ('viyoga') from the inevitable pain associated with material existence, leading to a state of equanimity.

Word by Word

तम् that, विद्यात् let (him) know, दुःखसंयोगवियोगम् a state of severnace from union with pain, योगसंज्ञितम् called by the name of Yoga, सः that, निश्चयेन with determination, योक्तव्यः should be practised, योगः Yoga, अनिर्विण्णचेतसा with undesponding mind

Classical Commentary

In verses 20? 21 and 22 the Lord describes the benefits of Yoga, viz., perfect satisfaction by resting in the Self, infinite unending bliss, freedom from sorrow and pain, etc. He further adds that this Yoga should be practised with a firm conviction and iron determination and with nondepression of heart. A spiritual aspirant with a wavering mind will not able to attain success in Yoga. He will leave the practice when he meets with some obstacles on the path. The practitioner must also be bold, cheerful and selfreliant.

Where This Happens

This teaching occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra within Chapter 6, known as Dhyana Yoga (The Path of Meditation). Lord Krishna is addressing Arjuna after explaining the technical aspects of sitting posture and breath control. At this moment, Arjuna feels overwhelmed by the difficulty of controlling his restless mind and fears that meditation might be impossible for him.

Living It Out Today

Consider a professional facing an unexpected layoff or business failure; instead of spiraling into anxiety or despair, they apply this verse to view their inner peace as separate from external circumstances. By maintaining determination in upskilling or seeking new opportunities while refusing to let the current crisis define their self-worth, they achieve a state of mental resilience. This practical application transforms a moment of crisis into an opportunity for spiritual growth and stability.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are trying to build a tall tower of blocks while someone keeps shaking the table; that feeling of worry is like 'pain' in our minds. This verse says Yoga is when you find a calm, steady spot inside yourself where no matter what happens outside, you don't feel upset or scared anymore. To get there, Krishna tells us to keep trying with big determination and not let ourselves give up if it gets hard.

Daily Reflection

You may feel overwhelmed today by circumstances that seem to bind you tightly, but remember that your inner self remains distinct from these external pains. This verse invites you not to fight the pain with force, but to detach your identity from it through steady determination and a hopeful heart. By practicing this separation without becoming despondent, you reclaim the peace that belongs to you regardless of what happens around you.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and visualize any current worry or pain as a rope that you are gently loosening, knot by knot, until it falls away from your consciousness. As the tension releases, rest in the stillness of awareness itself, knowing this separation is the true nature of Yoga.

Key Teachings

The Definition of Yoga
True Yoga is defined not by physical posture but as 'duhkha-samyoga-viyogam,' meaning the complete severance from union with suffering. It marks a shift where one realizes that pain is an external occurrence and not the essence of the self.
The Role of Determination
This spiritual practice requires 'niścayena,' or firm resolve, to persist even when progress feels slow or difficult. Without this steadfast conviction in one's ability to transcend pain, the path cannot be successfully walked.
The Necessitude of Hope
Practicing Yoga with an 'anirviṇṇa-cetasā' means maintaining a mind free from despondency or despair. A hopeful spirit is essential because the severance from pain often requires enduring periods of challenge before the peace fully settles in.

Themes

MeditationDetachment from SufferingMental ResilienceDetermination in PracticeInner PeaceSelf-Realization

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — Reads as the foundation for performing duty without attachment, which prepares the mind to sever union with pain.
3.30 — Offers a practical method of surrendering actions and their fruits to God, reducing the mental burden that causes suffering.
12.15 — Describes the qualities of a devotee who is not disturbed by others' pain nor distressed themselves, embodying the state described in this verse.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'severance from union with pain' actually mean?

It refers to achieving a mental state where one is no longer identified with or affected by the inevitable sufferings of material life. It means cultivating an inner stability that remains untouched even when external circumstances cause distress.

Why does Krishna emphasize not being discouraged ('anirviṇṇacetasā')?

The path to mastering the mind is difficult and full of obstacles, so giving up out of frustration would prevent one from reaching that state of freedom. Persistence ensures that temporary failures do not lead to abandoning the practice entirely.

Is this verse only about physical meditation postures?

You apply it by committing fully to your spiritual or personal goals without wavering, even when you face setbacks. It means making a firm decision not to let temporary failures shake your resolve or cause despair.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 6.23 →