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Chapter 6 • Verse 4
The Yoga of Meditation
MEANING & CONTEXT
Krishna describes the state of one who has attained yoga. 'Yadā hi nendriyārtheṣu na karmasv anuṣajjate'—when one does not become attached (anuṣajjate) to sense objects (indriya-artheṣu) or to actions (karmasu). This means: the yogi interacts with sense objects and performs actions, but they don't become attached. They experience, they act, but they remain free. 'Sarva-saṅkalpa-saṁnyāsī'—having renounced all desires (sarva-saṅkalpa). This means: not just some desires, but all desires—all attachments to outcomes, all dependencies on results. 'Yogārūḍhas tadā ucyate'—then one is said to have attained yoga (yogārūḍha). This is the culmination: when you're no longer attached to sense objects or actions, when you've renounced all desires, you've reached the heights of yoga. You can be fully engaged in the world, but you're free from attachment to it.
Explore Human Experiences
How this ancient wisdom applies to your daily life
Key Takeaway
The heights of yoga come when you're no longer attached to sense objects or actions, when you've renounced all desires. This doesn't mean avoiding the world or becoming numb. It means engaging fully but remaining free. You interact with sense objects—you see, hear, taste, touch—but you don't become attached. You perform actions—you work, you love, you create—but you don't become attached. You renounce all desires—not just some, but all dependencies on outcomes. Then you've attained yoga. You can be fully alive in the world, but you're free from it. That's the paradox: complete engagement with complete freedom.
Personal Reflection
Are you attached to sense objects or actions? Are you dependent on desires for your peace? What would it mean to engage fully while remaining free?
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