yadā viniyataṁ chittam ātmanyevāvatiṣhṭhate
niḥspṛihaḥ sarva-kāmebhyo yukta ityuchyate tadā
yadā — when;
viniyatam — fully controlled;
chittam — the mind;
ātmani — of the self;
eva — certainly;
avatiṣhṭhate — stays;
nispṛihaḥ — free from cravings: sarva;
kāmebhyaḥ — for yearning of the senses;
yuktaḥ — situated in perfect Yog;
iti — thus;
uchyate — is said;
tadā — then
This verse explains what it means to be a true yogi. A yogi is someone who practices yoga not just physically but also mentally. They've learned how to control their thoughts and emotions. When a yogi has trained their mind properly, they become so focused on spiritual matters that they no longer feel strong desires for physical pleasures or material things.
Imagine having a busy, noisy room inside your head filled with distractions and temptations. For a regular person, it might be hard to concentrate because of all that noise. But a yogi learns to quiet that mental chaos. When their mind is well-disciplined, it becomes calm and controlled. This is when they can truly connect with something greater than themselves, often described as 'Transcendence.'
What does it mean to be 'devoid of all material desires'? This means that the yogi doesn't get easily swayed by things like cravings for food, attachments to relationships, or the desire for wealth and status. They see value in spiritual experiences over physical ones.
The interpretation further emphasizes that being a real yogi is not just about sitting in silence or giving up everything you love. Instead, it’s about finding a balance. For example, they still live in the world, but they make choices that help them focus on their spiritual growth. They engage in practices that keep them aware of the divine or God, which can make the whole journey feel more 'real' and 'practical.'
To be on this path, the yogi needs to remember what is sacred and important to them, which often means directing their senses toward loving service to God. It's like using your energy to help others and serve a higher purpose which can keep the mind engaged but also aligned with spiritual goals.
In simpler terms, this verse teaches that if you control your desires and focus on spiritual growth, you can find real happiness and peace, which are far more satisfying than temporary pleasures. That's what it means to have achieved yoga: being calm, focused, and free from overwhelming desires.