Chapter 6 Verse 17
Dhyān Yog
युक्ताहारविहारस्य युक्तचेष्टस्य कर्मसु। युक्तस्वप्नावबोधस्य योगो भवति दुःखहा।।6.17।।
yuktāhāra-vihārasya yukta-cheṣhṭasya karmasu yukta-svapnāvabodhasya yogo bhavati duḥkha-hā
Word Meanings
| yukta | moderate |
| āhāra | eating |
| vihārasya | recreation |
| yukta cheṣhṭasya karmasu | balanced in work |
| yukta | regulated |
| svapna-avabodhasya | sleep and wakefulness |
| yogaḥ | Yog |
| bhavati | becomes |
| duḥkha-hā | the slayer of sorrows |
Translation
Yoga becomes the destroyer of pain for him who is moderate in eating and recreation (such as walking, etc.), who exercises moderation in action, and who is moderate in sleep and wakefulness.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that true yoga — freedom from pain and inner distress — grows from a balanced life. When you eat, rest, work, and enjoy recreation in moderation, your body and mind become steady and peaceful.
Extremes in any area (overeating, too much sleep, constant work, or too much leisure) disturb the mind and make spiritual practice hard. Balance brings clarity, self-control, and the calm needed for deeper awareness.
Moderation here is practical, not rigid. It means choosing habits that support health and steady effort so you can act rightly, think clearly, and feel less anxious or upset.
Life Application
- Keep simple, regular meals and avoid overeating or skipping food; this steadies your energy and mood.
- Maintain a regular sleep-wake schedule and short breaks during work to refresh the mind.
- Balance focused work with quiet recreation (walking, light exercise, reading) and limit distracting excesses like late-night screens.
Reflection Question
Which one daily habit can I make more balanced today to calm my mind?