yat syāt saḥ syād yogasevāyām asaṅgaḥ saṅga-varjitaḥ.
“One who remains unattached, having severed all attachment, while engaged in yogic practice.”
Structure
yat syāt saḥ syād yogasevāyām asaṅgaḥ saṅga-varjitaḥ
saḥ(he) whoyatra(in that situation) wheresyāt(may be) presentsaḥ(that one) hesyād(should be) presentyoga-sevāyām(in) yoga practiceasaṅgaḥ(without) attachmentsaṅga-varjitaḥ(free from) association
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | what |
| syāt | syāt | verb | √as · liṅ-optative · third | may be |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · masculine singular · masculine | he |
| syād | syād | verb | √as · liṅ-optative · third | may be |
| yogasevāyām | yogasevāyām | compound | tatpuruṣa · "yogasevā + ām" | in the practice of yoga |
| asaṅgaḥ | asaṅgaḥ | adjective | — | unattached |
| saṅga-varjitaḥ | saṅga-varjitaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "saṅga + varjitaḥ" | free from attachment |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of non-attachment in yogic practice, illuminating the path to Self-realization. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes that true yogic practice requires detachment from all worldly attachments and desires. He interprets 'asaṅgaḥ' as the state of being unattached, which is a prerequisite for realizing the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Shankara, the yogi must cultivate this detachment to experience the unity of Brahman and ātman. In his commentary on this verse, Shankara cites the example of a lamp that remains unaffected by the movements of the wind, illustrating the yogi's ability to remain unattached amidst worldly turbulence. This detachment enables the yogi to realize the true nature of the Self, which is beyond all duality and attachment. By severing all attachments, the yogi can experience the bliss of Brahman, which is the ultimate goal of yogic practice. As Shankara notes, the yogi who attains this state of non-attachment becomes one with Brahman, experiencing the ultimate liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion and self-surrender in yogic practice. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'asaṅgaḥ' as the state of being free from attachment to worldly objects and desires, while being attached to the Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya, the yogi must cultivate a sense of devotion and dependence on the Lord, recognizing that true freedom and liberation can only be achieved through surrender to the divine will. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of knowledge and devotion in yogic practice, highlighting the need for the yogi to cultivate a deep understanding of the Lord's nature and attributes. In this context, the verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of detachment from worldly attachments and desires, while cultivating a deep attachment to the Lord. By surrendering to the Lord and cultivating devotion, the yogi can experience the bliss of liberation and attain the ultimate goal of yogic practice, which is to realize the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. As Rāmānujācārya notes, the yogi who attains this state of devotion and self-surrender becomes one with the Lord, experiencing the ultimate joy and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a practical and universal message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of detachment and non-attachment in achieving inner peace and liberation. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often cited this verse as an example of the importance of cultivating a sense of detachment in daily life. According to Vivekānanda, the yogi must learn to detach from worldly desires and attachments, while cultivating a sense of inner peace and calm. S. Rādhākrishnan, on the other hand, interprets this verse as emphasizing the importance of cultivating a sense of universal consciousness and compassion, recognizing that all beings are interconnected and interdependent. In this context, the verse is seen as emphasizing the need for individuals to cultivate a sense of detachment from their own ego and desires, while cultivating a sense of empathy and compassion for all beings. By cultivating this sense of detachment and universal consciousness, individuals can experience a sense of inner peace and liberation, and contribute to the creation of a more harmonious and compassionate world. As Vivekānanda notes, the yogi who attains this state of detachment and inner peace becomes a force for good in the world, radiating peace and harmony to all those around them.