In Bhagavad Gita 6.33, Arjuna says that he cannot see how this yoga of equanimity could be steady, because the mind is so restless.
Sanskrit Verse
अर्जुन उवाच · Arjuna said
योऽयं योगस्त्वया प्रोक्तः
साम्येन मधुसूदन
एतस्याहं न पश्यामि
चञ्चलत्वात्स्थितिं स्थिराम् ॥ ६-३३ ॥
yo’yaṃ yogastvayā proktaḥ
sāmyena madhusūdana
etasyāhaṃ na paśyāmi
cañcalatvātsthitiṃ sthirām
English transliteration yo’yam yogastvayaa proktah
saamyena madhusoodana
etasyaaham na pashyaami
chanchalatvaatsthitim sthiraam ॥ 6.33 ॥
Translation / Meaning
Arjuna said: This yoga of equanimity that you have taught, O Madhusudana, I do not see how it can last steadily, because of the restlessness of the mind.
Word Meanings
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| यः yaḥ | which |
| अयम् ayam | this |
| योगः yogaḥ | yoga |
| त्वया tvayā | by you |
| प्रोक्तः proktaḥ | taught |
| साम्येन sāmyena | of equanimity |
| मधुसूदन madhusūdana | O Madhusūdana |
| एतस्य etasya | of this |
| अहम् aham | I |
| न na | not |
| पश्यामि paśyāmi | see |
| चञ्चलत्वात् cañcalatvāt | because of restlessness |
| स्थितिम् sthitim | state |
| स्थिराम् sthirām | steady |
Word-wise Chanting
- yo–‘yaṃ yo–gas–tva–yā prok–taḥ 8 syllables yo-‘yam yo-gas-tva-yaa prok-tah
- sām–ye–na ma–dhu–sū–da–na | 8 syllables saam-ye-na ma-dhu-soo-da-na
- e–tas–yā–haṃ na paś–yā–mi 8 syllables e-tas-yaa-ham na pash-yaa-mi
- cañ–ca–lat–vāt–sthi–tiṃ sthi–rām || 6-33 8 syllables chan-cha-lat-vaat-sthi-tim sthi-raam
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 33
Context
Arjuna responds honestly to the teaching on meditation (6.33–6.34).
Meaning
Arjuna has heard the beautiful description of the yogi of equal vision. But he doubts it is possible for him. The mind is too cañcala, restless. How can it remain steady in such a state? His doubt is shared by almost every sincere meditator.
Arjuna’s honesty is valuable. Spiritual teaching must address real difficulties, not only ideals. Krishna will not dismiss the problem but will give practical guidance in response.
In Practice
Write down honestly the biggest obstacle you face in meditation or spiritual practice. Naming it is the first step to working with it.
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.