1 · Learn3 of 6 · 5 min

Study a Verse

Pick any verse to see what it means and how to use it in your life.

Or browse by chapter
Chapter

Chapter 6 · Dhyāna-yoga · 47 verses

1234567891011121314151617181920212223242526272829303132333435363738394041424344454647

Deep profile← → keys move between verses

How to study this verse, in six steps
  1. 1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
  2. 2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
  3. 3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
  4. 4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
  5. 5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
  6. 6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.
Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›
Mind & yogaChapter 6 · Dhyāna-yoga
6.276.29

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 6.28

Samādhi and a steadily controlled mind

Īśvara · God

युञ्जन्नेवं सदात्मानं योगी विगतकल्मष: ।

सुखेन ब्रह्मसंस्पर्शमत्यन्तं सुखमश्न‍ुते ॥ २८ ॥

yuñjann evaṁ sadātmānaṁ

yogī vigata-kalmaṣaḥ

sukhena brahma-saṁsparśam

atyantaṁ sukham aśnute

Translation

Thus the self-controlled yogī, constantly engaged in yoga practice, becomes free from all material contamination and achieves the highest stage of perfect happiness in transcendental loving service to the Lord.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io
1

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Happiness in Loving Service

  1. 1

    Through constant yoga practice, the self-controlled yogī becomes free from material contamination and finds perfect happiness in loving service to the Lord.

  2. 2

    Prabhupāda explains that self-realization means knowing we are parts of the Supreme and meant to serve Him.

  3. 3

    Practice self-control and remain steady in loving service to the Lord.

Key points from the purport

Brahma-samsparsha platform — One achieves full perfection and bliss by being in constant touch with the Supreme, and thus one engages in the transcendental loving service of the Lord

a

Self realization — defined as knowing one’s constitutional position in relationship with the Supreme

Identity – Individual soul is part and parcel of the Supreme

Constitutional position is to render transcendental loving service to the Lord

This transcendental contact with the Supreme is called ‘brahma-samsparsha’

Connected verses · 1

Texts 6.28 & 6.29

Krishna further clarifies this point in the next verse.

Further reading

Further Stages In The Practice Of Yoga

Krishna describes the practices of astanga-yoga

The result are ‘Yogarudha (the perfectional stage)’ and ultimately ‘the vision of the Supersoul’.

Chapter 6, section III: Further Stages In The Practice Of Yoga
2

Word for word

Learn the Sanskrit words of the verse.

  1. yuñjanengaging in yoga practice
  2. evamthus
  3. sadāalways
  4. ātmānamthe self
  5. yogīone who is in touch with the Supreme Self
  6. vigatafreed from
  7. kalmaṣaḥall material contamination
  8. sukhenain transcendental happiness
3

Key ideas in this verse

The spiritual concepts this verse connects to.

Key ideas: manas, indriya, yoga.

4

Live it

Take one thing from this verse into your day.

Ask yourself

What does BG 6.28 establish in Śrīla Prabhupāda's translation and purport, and how does it connect to mind & yoga?

Practice

Sit quietly for ten minutes and gently return the mind.

5

Related verses

Keep going: verses that carry this teaching further.

BG 6.19Samādhi and a steadily controlled mindBG 6.20Samādhi and a steadily controlled mind
Live this todayBring the Mind BackA practice from BG 6.26, close to this verse

Study notes are editorial summaries, not the translation. Confirm them in the original text and purport.

  1. Learn
  2. Live
  3. Lead
Next in Learn · 4 of 9 · 10 minChapters & storiesGo chapter by chapter, with the Mahābhārata stories that explain what is happening.Back · LearnPrabhupāda's Introduction