Chapter 6 Verse 44
Dhyān Yog
पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव ह्रियते ह्यवशोऽपि सः। जिज्ञासुरपि योगस्य शब्दब्रह्मातिवर्तते।।6.44।।
pūrvābhyāsena tenaiva hriyate hyavaśho ’pi saḥ jijñāsur api yogasya śhabda-brahmātivartate
Word Meanings
| pūrva | past |
| abhyāsena | discipline |
| tena | by that |
| eva | certainly |
| hriyate | is attracted |
| hi | surely |
| avaśhaḥ | helplessly |
| api | although |
| saḥ | that person |
| jijñāsuḥ | inquisitive |
| api | even |
| yogasya | about yog |
| śhabda-brahma | fruitive portion of the Vedas |
| ativartate | transcends |
Translation
By that same former practice, he is borne on in spite of himself. Even he who merely wishes to know Yoga goes beyond the Brahmanic word.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Regular practice builds an inner force that moves you forward, even when you feel unwilling. What you have trained yourself to do becomes a natural pull.
Even a person who only wants to understand Yoga, without deep study, can go beyond empty words and rules. Genuine curiosity and simple effort lead to direct experience that scripture alone cannot give.
The verse teaches that steady action and sincere inquiry matter more than clever arguments. Truth is reached by living the practice, not by only talking about it.
Life Application
- Start a tiny daily habit (breath, meditation, or mindful action) and keep it up so it becomes natural.
- Let genuine curiosity guide you: try the practice and see its effect instead of only reading about it.
- Choose steady effort over perfection; consistency builds momentum that will carry you forward.
Reflection Question
What small practice can I begin today that will keep me moving forward even when I don't feel like it?