ṣaṭcakreṇa hi dehasya dhāraṇā । tenā siddhyati yogaḥ ॥
“Yoga is perfected through the control of the six centers in the body.”
Structure
ṣaṭ-cakreṇa hi dehasya dhāraṇā tenā siddhyati yogaḥ
ṣaṭ-cakreṇa (by means of the six centers) hi (certainly) dehasya (of the body) dhāraṇā (the practice of concentration) tenā (by that) yogaḥ (yoga) siddhyati (becomes successful)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ṣaṭ-cakreṇa | ṣaṭ-cakreṇa | compound | karmadhāraya · "ṣaṭ ca cakraṃ, tena" | with the sixfold Chakra or with six circles/spokes |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| dehasya | dehasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the body |
| dhāraṇā | dhāraṇā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | concentration, holding steady |
| tenā | tenā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine/neuter | by it, thereby |
| siddhyati | siddhyati | verb | √sidh · laṭ-present · third | becomes perfected, succeeds |
| yogaḥ | yogaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Yoga, union, connection |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse suggests that the control of the six centers in the body is essential for the perfection of yoga. According to Shankara, the six centers represent the various levels of consciousness that must be transcended to realize the ultimate reality of Brahman. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara emphasizes that the practice of yoga is not merely a physical discipline, but a means of realizing the non-dual nature of the Self. The control of the six centers is seen as a means of quieting the mind and turning it inward, thereby facilitating the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). As Shankara notes, 'the Self is not something to be attained, but rather it is the very essence of our being, and it can be realized through the practice of yoga and the control of the mind.' This verse thus points to the central theme of Advaita Vedānta, namely, the attainment of liberation through the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often interpreted as emphasizing the importance of devotion and self-surrender in the practice of yoga. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, notes that the control of the six centers is not an end in itself, but rather a means of purifying the mind and turning it towards the Lord. The ultimate goal of yoga, according to Rāmānuja, is not merely to realize the individual self, but to experience the loving relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). The practice of yoga, including the control of the six centers, is seen as a means of cultivating this devotion and ultimately achieving liberation through the grace of the Lord. As Rāmānuja notes, 'the Lord is the very essence of our being, and the practice of yoga is a means of realizing this essence and experiencing the joy of devotion.' This verse thus highlights the central theme of Vaiṣṇava theology, namely, the importance of devotion and self-surrender in the pursuit of spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of this verse. According to Vivekānanda, the control of the six centers represents the integration of the various aspects of human consciousness, including the physical, mental, and spiritual. The practice of yoga, including the control of the six centers, is seen as a means of realizing the full potential of human nature and achieving a state of perfect balance and harmony. Vivekānanda notes that 'the goal of yoga is not merely to realize the individual self, but to experience the unity and interconnectedness of all existence.' This verse thus points to the central theme of Neo-Vedānta, namely, the attainment of spiritual liberation through the realization of the universal and eternal principles that underlie all existence. As Vivekānanda notes, 'the practice of yoga is not merely a matter of individual salvation, but rather a means of contributing to the welfare and harmony of the entire universe.' This verse thus highlights the importance of yoga as a means of promoting human well-being and spiritual growth in contemporary life.