Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 6.44 पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव ह्रियते ह्यवशोऽपि सः
श्लोक 6.44
पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव ह्रियते ह्यवशोऽपि सः ।
जिज्ञासुरपि योगस्य शब्दब्रह्मातिवर्तते ॥
pūrvābhyāsena tenaiva hriyate hyavaśo'pi saḥ |
jijñāsurapi yogasya śabdabrahmātivartate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
पिछले जन्म के अभ्यास के कारण वह अपने आप ही योग की ओर खिंच जाता है। योग को जानने की इच्छा रखने वाला भी वेदों के कर्मकांड से आगे निकल जाता है।
Meaning in English
By that very past practice he is carried forward, even without wishing it. Even one who merely wishes to know yoga goes beyond the ritual portion of the Vedas.
Bhagavad Gita 6.44 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| पूर्वाभ्यासेन | pūrva-abhyāsena | by former practice |
| तेन एव | tena eva | by that very |
| ह्रियते | hriyate | is carried along |
| हि | hi | indeed |
| अवशः | avaśaḥ | even without willing it |
| अपि | api | even |
| सः | saḥ | he |
| जिज्ञासुः | jijñāsuḥ | one who wishes to know |
| अपि | api | even |
| योगस्य | yogasya | of yoga |
| शब्दब्रह्म | śabda-brahma | Brahman as the Vedic word |
| अतिवर्तते | ativartate | goes beyond |
Explanation
By the force of that former practice he is carried forward, even without willing it. Even one who merely wishes to know about yoga goes beyond the Vedic word. The habit of practice keeps drawing him back, and sincere enquiry alone lifts him above ritual.
The momentum of past practice works like a current: the seeker feels drawn to spiritual life almost in spite of himself. The second line makes a bold claim. 'Śabda-brahma', Brahman as sound or word, refers to the Vedas, especially their ritual portion. Shankara explains that even a sincere enquirer into yoga rises above the fruits promised by Vedic rites. The verse thus ranks the inner path above outer ritual, a theme also found in 2.42 to 2.46.
भावार्थ
पूर्व जन्म के उसी अभ्यास के कारण वह न चाहते हुए भी योग की ओर खिंच जाता है। योग को केवल जानने की इच्छा रखने वाला भी वेदों के कर्मकाण्ड से आगे निकल जाता है।
Living it today
Every bit of practice builds momentum. On days you lack motivation, trust the habit you have built to carry you through.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 6.44?
By the force of that former practice he is carried forward, even without willing it. Even one who merely wishes to know about yoga goes beyond the Vedic word. The habit of practice keeps drawing him back, and sincere enquiry alone lifts him above ritual.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 6.44?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 6 (Dhyana Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 6.44 in daily life?
Every bit of practice builds momentum. On days you lack motivation, trust the habit you have built to carry you through.
Reflected on verse 6.44?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.