dhṛityā yayā dhārayate manaḥ-prāṇendriya-kriyāḥ
yogenāvyabhichāriṇyā dhṛitiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī
dhṛityā — by determining;
yayā — which;
dhārayate — sustains;
manaḥ — of the mind;
prāṇa — life-airs;
indriya — senses;
kriyāḥ — activities;
yogena — through Yog;
avyabhichāriṇyā — with steadfastness;
dhṛitiḥ — determination;
sā — that;
pārtha — Arjun, the son of Pritha;
sāttvikī — in the mode of goodness
This verse talks about a strong kind of determination that comes from practicing yoga, which helps you focus and stay committed. It’s saying that when someone puts their mind, life, and senses into understanding the Supreme Soul through yoga, their determination is seen as pure or good.
When we talk about yoga in this context, we mean more than just physical exercises. It’s about creating a deep connection with a higher power or the Supreme Soul, which can be understood as God or a higher consciousness. Practicing yoga helps clear distractions and keeps you on a focused path. Imagine trying to complete a difficult puzzle; you need to concentrate and not let anything else take your attention away. The same goes for developing deep determination through yoga.
The term 'avyabhicharini' in the verse highlights how this kind of commitment is unwavering. This means that the person is not easily swayed by temptations or distractions that might come their way, such as negative thoughts or situations that would normally disturb their peace of mind. They stay true to their own set of values and maintain their focus on their spiritual goals, just like a student who studies diligently for their exams, despite the distractions around them.
In this way of thinking, this kind of unwavering determination is what we call 'sattvic' determination, meaning it's pure and beneficial. It calls for a mindset that is balanced and steady, allowing one to live a life oriented toward kindness, self-control, and awareness of others. In everyday life, think of it as someone who decides to lead a healthy lifestyle—eating right and exercising consistently, without getting pulled into bad habits like junk food or laziness. They know their goals and stick to them, showing strong willpower.
In summary, this verse emphasizes the importance of staying focused and committed through the practice of yoga, leading to a pure form of determination that positively shapes how a person thinks and acts. It invites us to cultivate this kind of resolve in our own lives, reminding us that by doing so, we can lead a more fulfilling and spiritually enriched life.