Chapter 6 Verse 16
Dhyān Yog
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः। न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन।।6.16।।
nātyaśhnatastu yogo ’sti na chaikāntam anaśhnataḥ na chāti-svapna-śhīlasya jāgrato naiva chārjuna
Word Meanings
| na | not |
| ati | too much |
| aśhnataḥ | of one who eats |
| tu | however |
| yogaḥ | Yog |
| asti | there is |
| na | not |
| cha | and |
| ekāntam | at all |
| anaśhnataḥ | abstaining from eating |
| na | not |
| cha | and |
| ati | too much |
| svapna-śhīlasya | of one who sleeps |
| jāgrataḥ | of one who does not sleep enough |
| na | not |
| eva | certainly |
| cha | and |
| arjuna | Arjun |
Translation
Verily, Yoga is not possible for him who eats too much, nor for him who does not eat at all, nor for him who sleeps too much, nor for him who is always awake, O Arjuna.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
True yoga needs balance in the body. If you eat too much you become heavy and dull; if you starve yourself you become weak and unable to focus. Likewise, too much sleep clouds the mind, and too little sleep makes it restless.
The verse points to a steady, moderate way of living. A calm and controlled body supports calm and steady attention, which is needed for meditation and clear action. It is not about extreme austerity, but about finding the middle path that keeps your energy and mind stable.
This balance matters not only for formal practice but for daily life: steady habits help you think clearly, feel emotionally steady, and act with purpose.
Life Application
- Eat regular, simple meals and stop when you feel comfortably full; avoid overeating or long fasting that weakens you.
- Keep a consistent sleep routine and create a calm bedtime habit (no heavy meals or screens before bed).
- Before meditation or challenging work, check whether your body needs rest or food and adjust your practice length accordingly.
Reflection Question
Where in my daily routine am I extreme with food or sleep, and how does that affect my focus and peace?