Understanding the Gita
The Heart of the Bhagavad Gita With Swami Shambhudevananda
The Bhagavad Gita, a 700-verse Hindu scripture, is a dialogue between Prince Arjuna and Lord Krishna. It addresses the moral and philosophical dilemmas faced by Arjuna, providing timeless guidance on how to live a life of righteousness and purpose.
The Essence of the Bhagavad Gita
Understanding the Teachings of the Gita
The Bhagavad Gita, a timeless spiritual classic, offers profound insights into the nature of life, duty, and spirituality. Its teachings, delivered by Lord Krishna to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, address the eternal struggle between right and wrong, and the path to self-realization. In today’s fast-paced world, the Gita’s wisdom is more relevant than ever, guiding us towards inner peace, ethical living, and a deeper understanding of our true purpose. By embracing its principles, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and clarity, fostering a harmonious balance between our material and spiritual pursuits.
🕉️ Bhagavad Gita — Chapter 6, Verse 2
यं संन्यासमिति प्राहुर्योगं तं विद्धि पाण्डव।
न ह्यसंन्यस्तसंकल्पो योगी भवति कश्चन॥ ६.२॥
yaṁ sannyāsam iti prāhur yogaṁ taṁ viddhi pāṇḍava
na hy asaṁnyasta-saṅkalpo yogī bhavati kaścana
Do thou, O Arjuna! Know yoga to be that which they call renounciation; No one become a yogi who has not renounced Thoughts.
Swami Sivananda commentary: No one can become a Karma yogi who plans and expects fruits for his action.
🕉️ Chapter 6 — Dhyana Yoga (The Yoga of Meditation)
🔸 1. Yoga and Renunciation Properly Understood
In this teaching, Lord Krishna clarifies that a true yogi and a true sannyasi is not one who renounces outer action or outer sacrifice. Rather, it is one who continues to act, but performs action as an offering, as a sacrifice.
When Krishna says that yoga is what is called renunciation, this renunciation is not about stopping action. It is about a deeper inner renunciation. Action must continue, but the inner relationship to action must be transformed.
🔸 2. Renunciation of Thoughts — What Does It Mean?
Krishna says: “No one becomes a yogi who has not renounced thoughts.”
This does not mean that yoga is the absence of thinking or simply sitting with a blank mind. Yoga is not about not thinking. It is about the nature and direction of thinking.
The mind continues to think, but the stream of thought becomes focused, intentional, and directed toward God — toward the reality behind all appearances. Thought is not eliminated, but refined and reoriented toward truth.
🔸 3. Questioning All That Appears Obvious
The thoughts that must be renounced are all the beliefs, perceptions, and assumptions that we take to be obvious.
What we consider to be reality — the body, the mind, the experiences — must be investigated deeply. Through inquiry, the yogi begins to see that what was previously taken as real is not the ultimate reality.
This requires a complete willingness to examine everything and to let go of previous notions when truth is revealed. Without this process of deep investigation and renunciation of false understanding, one cannot become a yogi.
🔸4. The Obstacle of Doership and Expectation
Swami Sivananda explains that one cannot become a yogi while holding on to the idea: “I am the doer and I am the enjoyer of the fruits of action.”
As long as there is planning, expectation, and attachment to results, the mind will remain unsteady. The thought of the fruits of action creates agitation and prevents inner stillness.
Even in spiritual practice, if one thinks, “I will practice and I will become something,” this very idea becomes an obstacle. The yogi must go beyond this fundamental identification.
🔸 5. From Doer to Witness — The Bridge to Meditation
Karma Yoga becomes the preparation for meditation when the practitioner begins to step back and observe.
While actions continue, the yogi observes the actions, the thoughts, and the experiences, recognizing: “I am not the doer, I am the witness.”
Even thoughts and emotions are seen as arising without clear control or understanding of their origin. This creates a natural detachment.
This witnessing attitude is the beginning of meditation. Action is not renounced, but attachment is. Through this shift, Karma Yoga becomes the doorway to Dhyana Yoga.
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“All these obvious thoughts, beliefs, and perceptions must be investigated and let go.
If you cannot let go of your preconceived notions, you will not become a yogi.”
Swami Shambhudevananda