In Bhagavad Gita 6.23, Krishna defines yoga as disconnection from union with sorrow, and urges that it be practised with determination and an undaunted mind.
Sanskrit Verse
श्रीभगवानुवाच · The Blessed Lord said
तं विद्याद् दुःखसंयोग-
वियोगं योगसंज्ञितम्
स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो
योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा ॥ ६-२३ ॥
taṃ vidyād duḥkhasaṃyoga-
viyogaṃ yogasaṃjñitam
sa niścayena yoktavyo
yogo’nirviṇṇacetasā
English transliteration tam vidyaad duhkhasamyoga-
viyogam yogasamjnitam
sa nishchayena yoktavyo
yogo’nirvinnachetasaa ॥ 6.23 ॥
Translation / Meaning
know that to be called yoga: the severance of the union with sorrow. This yoga should be practised with determination and with a mind free from despondency.
Verses 6.20–6.23 form one sentence describing the state of yoga.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| तम् tam | that |
| विद्यात् vidyāt | should know |
| दुःखसंयोगवियोगम् duḥkhasaṃyogaviyogam | severance from union with sorrow duḥkha (sorrow) + saṃyoga (union) + viyogam (severance) |
| योगसंज्ञितम् yogasaṃjñitam | called yoga |
| सः saḥ | that |
| निश्चयेन niścayena | with determination |
| योक्तव्यः yoktavyaḥ | should be practised |
| योगः yogaḥ | yoga |
| अनिर्विण्णचेतसा anirviṇṇacetasā | with an undaunted mind anirviṇṇa (undespondent) + cetasā (with mind) |
Word-wise Chanting
- taṃ vid–yād duḥ–kha–saṃ–yo–ga– 8 syllables tam vid-yaad duh-kha-sam-yo-ga-
- vi–yo–gaṃ yo–ga–saṃ–jñi–tam | 8 syllables vi-yo-gam yo-ga-sam-jni-tam
- sa niś–ca–ye–na yok–tav–yo 8 syllables sa nish-cha-ye-na yok-tav-yo
- yo–go–‘nir–viṇ–ṇa–ce–ta–sā || 6-23 8 syllables yo-go-‘nir-vin-na-che-ta-saa
How to read this
How to chant: each line is one pāda (quarter-verse); chant it in one breath. The hyphen (-) divides the syllables, inside a word and across a sandhi join, so every pāda shows its 8 syllables (11 in triṣṭubh verses). A consonant cluster is divided after its first consonant (kar-ma, vet-ti): that syllable is held longer. Mark above a syllable: guru, long (two beats); laghu, short (one beat). | closes the half-verse, || the verse; the number is the syllable count of the pāda.
Deeper Explanation – Chapter 6 Verse 23
Context
The sentence that began in 6.20 concludes with a definition and an exhortation.
Meaning
Here is a striking definition: yoga is duḥkha-saṃyoga-viyoga, the breaking of our connection with sorrow. Usually yoga means union; here it is also disunion from suffering. Krishna urges practising it with niścaya, firm determination, and an anirviṇṇa mind, one that does not lose heart.
Discouragement is one of the greatest obstacles on the spiritual path. Progress often seems slow, and the mind easily gives up. Krishna’s advice is simple: keep going with determination and a cheerful heart. The goal, freedom from sorrow, is worth every effort.
In Practice
When you feel discouraged in practice, remember this verse and continue for one more day with renewed determination.
Related Verses
Continue Your Study
This verse belongs to Chapter 6: Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation). Read the chapter overview, browse every verse of the Gita, or return to the chapter-by-chapter guide. For a reading plan, see how to study the Bhagavad Gita and the study resources.