Chapter 6 Verse 2
Dhyān Yog
यं संन्यासमिति प्राहुर्योगं तं विद्धि पाण्डव। न ह्यसंन्यस्तसङ्कल्पो योगी भवति कश्चन।।6.2।।
yaṁ sannyāsam iti prāhur yogaṁ taṁ viddhi pāṇḍava na hyasannyasta-saṅkalpo yogī bhavati kaśhchana
Word Meanings
| yam | what |
| sanyāsam | renunciation |
| iti | thus |
| prāhuḥ | they say |
| yogam | yog |
| tam | that |
| viddhi | know |
| pāṇḍava | Arjun, the son of Pandu |
| na | not |
| hi | certainly |
| asannyasta | without giving up |
| saṅkalpaḥ | desire |
| yogī | a yogi |
| bhavati | becomes |
| kaśhchana | anyone |
Translation
Do you, O Arjuna, know that Yoga is what they call renunciation; no one indeed becomes a Yogi who has not renounced their thoughts.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Here Krishna says that true yoga is a form of renunciation. This renunciation is not only leaving work or home; it is giving up the tight hold of desires, fixed plans, and restless thinking.
A person cannot be called a yogi if their mind is driven by constant wants and firm attachments. Real renunciation means the mind is calm, not pushed or pulled by every thought, so action can come from clarity rather than compulsion.
This inner letting go brings freedom and steady attention. One can still live and act in the world, but without being ruled by habit, fear, or craving.
Life Application
- When you feel a strong urge or plan, pause, notice the thought, and choose whether it serves a calm, steady purpose before acting.
- Practice short daily quiet time (breath awareness or a simple prayer) to reduce mental clinging and to see thoughts as passing.
- Simplify one area of life this week (choices, habits, or commitments) to reduce mental noise and strengthen inner resolve.
Reflection Question
What single habit or thought am I ready to loosen my grip on today?