Chapter 15 Verse 11
Puruṣhottam Yog
यतन्तो योगिनश्चैनं पश्यन्त्यात्मन्यवस्थितम्।यतन्तोऽप्यकृतात्मानो नैनं पश्यन्त्यचेतसः।।15.11।।
yatanto yoginaśh chainaṁ paśhyanty ātmany avasthitam yatanto ‘py akṛitātmāno nainaṁ paśhyanty achetasaḥ
Word Meanings
| yatantaḥ | striving |
| yoginaḥ | yogis |
| cha | too |
| enam | this (the soul) |
| paśhyanti | see |
| ātmani | in the body |
| avasthitam | enshrined |
| yatantaḥ | strive |
| api | even though |
| akṛita-ātmānaḥ | those whose minds are not purified |
| na | not |
| enam | this |
| paśhyanti | cognize |
| achetasaḥ | unaware |
Translation
The yogis striving for perfection behold Him dwelling in the Self; but, the unrefined and unintelligent, even though striving, do not see Him.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says that those who purify their minds and practice inner discipline can perceive the divine presence that lives within the self. Real seeing here means direct inner experience, not intellectual knowledge.
Simply trying hard from the outside is not enough. If the heart and mind are clouded by selfishness, restlessness, or confusion, one may work a lot and still miss the inner reality.
True spiritual sight comes from steady practice, ethical life, and calm awareness that lets the inner Self reveal itself.
Life Application
- Bring sincerity to your practice: focus on quieting the mind rather than only increasing activities.
- Cleanse daily habits: simplify speech, actions, and thoughts to reduce inner conflict and distraction.
- Spend a few minutes each day in inward attention or gentle meditation, looking for the still presence behind thoughts.
Reflection Question
Are your efforts aimed at inner clarity, or just at doing more things?