तं विद्याद् दु:खसंयोगवियोगं योगसञ्ज्ञितम् | स निश्चयेन योक्तव्यो योगोऽनिर्विण्णचेतसा || 23 || |
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“That state is known as yoga—the pain-free state. The practice of yoga is, therefore, to be observed resolutely and with a stout heart.”
Commentary: Yoga is that state of union where there is no pain or suffering. It is important to practice yoga with the right mindset and motivation, focusing on spiritual growth and inner peace more than material gain.
Lord Krishna explains the difference between the mindset of a true yogi and someone who merely practices yoga for material gain. A true yogi understands that the benefits of yoga extend beyond material objects and possessions. He who considers the gain of Yoga to be the same as the gain of material objects, is not a true Yogi. But when one has remained steady in Yoga, through practice and detachment, and has thus come to the stage where the mind is not shaken even in the midst of great difficulty, one is said to have attained Yoga. This Yoga should be practiced with determination and with a mind free from despondency – without giving in to feelings of hopelessness or despair. Union with God removes root causes for all physical, mental and spiritual afflictions.