Chapter 6 Verse 38
Dhyān Yog
कच्चिन्नोभयविभ्रष्टश्छिन्नाभ्रमिव नश्यति। अप्रतिष्ठो महाबाहो विमूढो ब्रह्मणः पथि।।6.38।।
kachchin nobhaya-vibhraṣhṭaśh chhinnābhram iva naśhyati apratiṣhṭho mahā-bāho vimūḍho brahmaṇaḥ pathi
Word Meanings
| kachchit | whether |
| na | not |
| ubhaya | both |
| vibhraṣhṭaḥ | deviated from |
| chhinna | broken |
| abhram | cloud |
| iva | like |
| naśhyati | perishes |
| apratiṣhṭhaḥ | without any support |
| mahā-bāho | mighty-armed Krishna |
| vimūḍhaḥ | bewildered |
| brahmaṇaḥ | of God-realization |
| pathi | one on the path |
Translation
Fallen from both, does he not perish like a rent cloud, supportless, O mighty-armed one, deluded on the path of Brahman?
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse says a person who has fallen away from both right action and steady spiritual practice is like a torn cloud — drifting and soon dissipating. Without a firm support of discipline or duty, progress is lost and confusion takes over.
Being "bewildered on the path of Brahman" means losing direction: neither anchored in daily responsibilities nor in inner practice. Spiritually, progress requires balance and continued effort, not sudden escapes or half-measures.
Philosophically, the teaching urges steadiness. True growth comes from keeping both outer conduct and inner discipline together; dropping both leaves one supportless and unable to reach the goal.
Life Application
- Keep a small daily practice (meditation, prayer, reflection) even when life is busy to stay grounded.
- Fulfill your ordinary responsibilities with honesty; don’t abandon them for a false idea of quick spiritual success.
- Use simple supports — a routine, a teacher, or a community — to prevent confusion and stay steady.
Reflection Question
Where in my life am I losing steady effort — in practice or in responsibility — and what small step can I take today to regain support?