What if You Can't Reach the Yoga Level Mentioned in the Gita

Nothing matters more in the Bhagavad Gita than surrender to Shri Krishna. As he says in the Gita: 'Abandoning all other supports, come unto me alone for refuge. I shall save thee from all sins, don’t worry.'

In the 6.37–38th chapters of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna asked Shri Krishna a critical question: 'What happens to a person who starts on the path of yoga but eventually loses interest?'

Shri Krishna's response is both profound and reassuring, underscoring the importance of yoga brashta, a term denoting a deviation from the path of yoga, acknowledging that the efforts made are not in vain.

Understanding Yoga Brashta

Yoga brashta refers to the scenario where a practitioner on the path of yoga loses interest or fails to reach the desired level. However, Shri Krishna assures Arjuna that even these efforts do not go to waste. Instead, they are sukrita, or positive actions.

The Path to Enlightenment

Each of us is on the path to enlightenment, perfect bliss, and peace—the goal of life. Depending on our karma, we might be born quite close or relatively far away from this goal. The key, according to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, is to use this life efficiently to move as rapidly as possible toward enlightenment.

The Fate of Yoga Brashta

Shri Krishna explains that an individual who has deviated from the path of yoga will be reborn in one of two ways. These rebirths are suited to further their spiritual growth:

Gaining Bright Intellect in the Next Life: They may be reborn with a sharp intellect among pious beings, enjoying a long afterlife before being reborn into a clean-living, prosperous family. Joining a Devoted Path: Or in a rarer scenario, they may be reborn as the child of an intelligent yogi, providing them with the conditions to resume their spiritual journey from where they left off.

The Path to Spiritual Enrichment

To reach this goal, it is crucial to follow a path of daily meditation, kindness to others, healthy food, sufficient sleep, exercise, and abstinence from intoxicants. These practices are outlined in the Bhagavad Gita and are essential for spiritual development.

Even if we do not attain enlightenment in this lifetime, our efforts will set us up closer to the goal in our next incarnation. The Bhagavad Gita emphasizes that spiritual growth is a journey that can span multiple lifetimes, and every effort counts.

In conclusion, the Bhagavad Gita assures us that even if we cannot reach the highest level of yoga, our efforts are not in vain. They pave the way for future spiritual growth and enlightenment, confirming the enduring nature of the path.

Key Takeaways:

Yoga Brashta: Deviation from the path of yoga, but efforts are not wasted. Spiritual Growth: Progress toward enlightenment, perfect bliss, and peace. Rebirth: Favored conditions in the next life for continued spiritual journey.

Related Keywords

Yoga Brashta

The concept of yoga brashta is crucial in understanding the outcomes of spiritual deviation mentioned in the Bhagavad Gita.

Bhagavad Gita

The Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu text, provides profound insights into spiritual development and the path of yoga.

Spiritual Growth

Understanding and practicing spiritual growth through daily meditation and virtuous living is essential for moving closer to enlightenment.