Verse 6.16
Speaker: Krishna
Sanskrit
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः। न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन॥
Transliteration (IAST)
nāty-aśnatas tu yogo 'sti na caikāntam anaśnataḥ na cāti-svapna-śīlasya jāgrato naiva cārjuna
Word-by-Word Meanings
na ati-aśnataḥ-not for one who eats too much
na anaśnataḥ-nor for one who eats too little
na ati-svapna-śīlasya-nor for one who sleeps too much
na jāgrataḥ-nor for one who stays awake too much
Translation
Yoga is not possible for one who eats too much or too little, nor for one who sleeps too much or stays awake too long, O Arjuna.
Commentary
Krishna introduces the principle of moderation (yukta) that defines the Gita's middle path. Extremes of asceticism and indulgence both obstruct yoga. This practical wisdom distinguishes the Gita's approach from severe austerity traditions.
Themes
yogadharma