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Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 36 Meaning in Hindi & English

By Lakshay Sharma | On 25 June, 2026 | Views

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 36 Meaning in Hindi & English

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 36 concludes Lord Krishna's response to Arjuna's concerns about controlling the mind. In Verse 35, Krishna explained that the restless mind can be mastered through Abhyasa (Practice) and Vairagya (Detachment). Now, in Verse 36, He explains who can successfully attain Yoga and who will struggle to achieve it.

Krishna teaches that self-mastery is essential for spiritual progress. A person who lacks control over the mind and senses will find Yoga difficult to attain. However, one who disciplines the mind and sincerely strives through proper methods can achieve success.

This verse highlights the importance of effort, self-discipline, and perseverance on the spiritual path. It reassures seekers that Yoga is attainable, but only through consistent dedication and inner control.

Even today, this teaching serves as a powerful reminder that lasting success in any field requires discipline and sustained effort.

Bhagavad Gita 6.36 – Yoga Is Difficult Without Self-Control

Lord Krishna explains:

  • An uncontrolled mind becomes an obstacle.

  • Self-discipline is necessary for spiritual growth.

  • Yoga cannot be attained through wishful thinking alone.

  • Consistent effort leads to success.

  • Self-mastery makes spiritual realization possible.

  • Determined seekers can achieve Yoga through proper practice.

The essence of this verse is that self-control and sincere effort are the keys to success in Yoga.

Bhagavad Gita 6.36 – Sanskrit Shlok & Transliteration

Sanskrit Shlok

असंयतात्मना योगो दुष्प्राप इति मे मतिः । वश्यात्मना तु यतता शक्योऽवाप्तुमुपायतः ॥ ३६ ॥

Shlok in Hinglish

Asamyatatmana Yogo Dushprapa Iti Me Matih Vashyatmana Tu Yatata Shakyo'vaptum Upayatah

English Transliteration

asaṁyatātmanā yogo duṣprāpa iti me matiḥ vaśyātmanā tu yatatā śakyo ’vāptum upāyataḥ

Word-by-Word Meaning (शब्दार्थ)

Sanskrit Word

Hindi Meaning

English Meaning

असंयतात्मना (Asamyatatmana)

असंयमित मन वाले द्वारा

By one without self-control

योगः (Yogah)

योग

Yoga

दुष्प्रापः (Dushprapah)

कठिनता से प्राप्त

Difficult to attain

इति (Iti)

ऐसा

Thus

मे (Me)

मेरा

My

मतिः (Matih)

मत

Opinion

वश्यात्मना (Vashyatmana)

संयमित मन वाले द्वारा

By one with a controlled mind

तु (Tu)

लेकिन

However

यतता (Yatata)

प्रयास करने वाला

One who strives

शक्यः (Shakyah)

संभव है

Possible

अवाप्तुम् (Avaptum)

प्राप्त करना

To attain

उपायतः (Upayatah)

उचित साधनों से

By proper means

Verse Meaning (अनुवाद)

Hindi Meaning (हिंदी अनुवाद)

जिस व्यक्ति का मन और इंद्रियाँ संयमित नहीं हैं, उसके लिए योग प्राप्त करना कठिन है। लेकिन जो मन को वश में करके उचित साधनों से प्रयास करता है, वह योग को प्राप्त कर सकता है।

English Meaning

Yoga is difficult to attain for one whose mind is uncontrolled. However, for one who has mastered the mind and strives through proper methods, it is possible to achieve Yoga.

Deep Insights & Philosophical Context

1. Krishna's Final Answer to Arjuna

After Arjuna expressed concerns about the restless mind, Krishna now gives His final conclusion:

Yes, the mind is difficult to control.

Yes, Yoga is possible.

The determining factor is self-discipline.

This balanced response combines realism with encouragement.

2. The Meaning of "Asamyatatmana"

The phrase:

"Asamyatatmana"

refers to a person whose:

  • Mind is uncontrolled.

  • Senses are undisciplined.

  • Desires dominate decisions.

  • Emotions dictate behavior.

Such a person finds it difficult to remain focused on spiritual growth.

3. Why Yoga Becomes Difficult

Without self-control:

  • The mind follows distractions.

  • Desires constantly change.

  • Focus weakens.

  • Consistency disappears.

As a result, spiritual progress becomes slow and uncertain.

Krishna is not condemning anyone; He is explaining a natural law of growth.

4. The Meaning of "Vashyatmana"

The phrase:

"Vashyatmana"

means one who has brought the mind under control.

This person:

  • Practices discipline.

  • Regulates desires.

  • Develops focus.

  • Acts with awareness.

Such self-mastery creates the foundation for Yoga.

5. Effort Is Essential

Krishna uses the word:

"Yatata" — One Who Strives

Success does not come merely through:

  • Good intentions

  • Wishes

  • Knowledge alone

It requires:

  • Consistent effort

  • Daily practice

  • Perseverance

Yoga is achieved through action, not just aspiration.

6. Proper Methods Lead to Success

Krishna concludes with:

"Upayatah" — Through Proper Means

This emphasizes that growth requires:

  • Correct guidance

  • Effective practices

  • Patience

  • Persistence

Following the right path makes success possible.

Life Lessons from Bhagavad Gita 6.36

1. Self-Control Creates Success

Discipline is the foundation of achievement.

Modern Takeaway:

Develop habits that strengthen focus and consistency.

2. Effort Matters More Than Talent

Progress depends on persistence.

Modern Takeaway:

Keep moving forward even when results seem slow.

3. Use the Right Methods

Working hard is important, but working wisely is equally important.

Modern Takeaway:

Learn proven strategies rather than relying on guesswork.

4. Master the Mind Before Circumstances

External success begins with internal control.

Modern Takeaway:

Manage thoughts and emotions before trying to change the world around you.

Modern-Day Relevance

Bhagavad Gita 6.36 is highly relevant in modern life.

People often seek success in:

  • Careers

  • Education

  • Relationships

  • Health

  • Spirituality

Yet many struggle because of:

  • Lack of focus

  • Procrastination

  • Distractions

  • Inconsistent effort

Krishna's teaching offers a timeless solution:

Self-control + Consistent effort + Proper methods = Success

This principle applies to every area of life.

Practical Example

Imagine two students preparing for an important examination.

Student A

  • Studies irregularly.

  • Gets distracted frequently.

  • Lacks discipline.

Result:

Progress remains inconsistent.

Student B

  • Follows a daily schedule.

  • Limits distractions.

  • Studies consistently.

Result:

Knowledge grows steadily and confidence increases.

This reflects Krishna's teaching on self-mastery and effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 6.36?

Ans: Krishna teaches that Yoga is difficult for an uncontrolled mind but attainable for one who practices self-discipline and sincere effort.

Q.2 What does "Asamyatatmana" mean?

Ans: It refers to a person whose mind and senses are not under control.

Q.3 What does "Vashyatmana" mean?

Ans: It means one who has mastered the mind and developed self-discipline.

Q.4 Why is effort important in this verse?

Ans: Krishna emphasizes that success in Yoga requires sincere and continuous striving.

Q.5 How can this teaching help in daily life?

Ans: By encouraging discipline, focus, consistency, and the use of effective methods in achieving personal and spiritual goals.

Practical Applications of Bhagavad Gita 6.36

Strengthen Self-Discipline

Develop habits that support long-term growth.

Control Distractions

Reduce activities that weaken concentration.

Practice Daily Improvement

Focus on steady progress rather than perfection.

Follow Proven Methods

Learn from reliable teachers and trusted wisdom.

Ask Yourself

  • Is my mind helping or hindering my goals?

  • What habits weaken my self-discipline?

  • Am I making consistent efforts?

  • What proper methods can improve my growth?

Related Verses to Explore Next

  • Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 35 – Practice and detachment control the mind.

  • Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 37 – Arjuna's question about unsuccessful yogis.

  • Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 64 – Self-control and inner peace.

  • Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 26 – Bringing the wandering mind back.

  • Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 14 – The importance of effort in success.

Conclusion

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6 Verse 36 delivers a powerful message about the importance of self-discipline in spiritual growth.

Lord Krishna teaches that Yoga is difficult for those who cannot control their minds, but it becomes attainable for those who practice self-mastery and strive through proper methods.

This verse reminds us that success—whether spiritual or worldly—depends not merely on desire but on discipline, persistence, and wise effort.

Krishna's timeless message is:

"An uncontrolled mind creates obstacles, but a disciplined mind guided by sincere effort can achieve even the highest spiritual goals."

 

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Lakshay Sharma

I’m Lakshay Sharma, a writer with a deep passion for Hindu mythology, Vastu Shastra, and home interiors. I enjoy exploring the rich traditions of Hindu gods and goddesses, sharing insights into Vastu principles, and offering guidance on creating sacred spaces like Puja Mandirs. Through my writing, I aim to inspire harmony and spiritual well-being, blending traditional knowledge with modern perspectives.

Harishyam Arts | Jaipur

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