वेदेषु यज्ञेषु तप:सु चैव दानेषु यत्पुण्यफलं प्रदिष्टम् | अत्येति तत्सर्वमिदं विदित्वा योगी परं स्थानमुपैति चाद्यम् || 28 || |
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“Having known and understood that which is ordained in the Vedas, sacrifices, austerities, and acts of charity, the yogi surpasses all these and reaches the supreme, primeval abode.”
Commentary:
Lord Krishna describes the path of the yogi who has gained knowledge and understanding of the principles described in the Vedas, as well as the performance of various virtuous actions such as sacrifices, austerities, and acts of charity. The verse emphasizes that by transcending these actions, the yogi attains the supreme goal and reaches eternal abode.
The Vedas, which are considered the oldest scriptures in Hinduism, contain profound knowledge and wisdom about the nature of reality, human existence, and the spiritual path. The yogi gains deep insight into these universal principles and divine truths through yoga. Additionally, the yogi intuitively gains knowledge in various religious and virtuous practices, such as performing sacrifices (yajnas), observing austerities (tapas), and practicing acts of charity (daana).
Lord Krishna states that yoga helps to surpass all the practices and rituals. While these activities have their significance and generate specific merits or fruits, the yogi realizes that ultimate liberation and union with the Divine cannot be attained solely through external actions. The yogi understands that these actions are stepping stones towards a higher realization.
The yogi’s primary aim is to attain a direct and experiential realization of the higher truth and to establish a profound connection with the Divine. By deeply comprehending the true essence and purpose of external practices, the yogi transcends them and goes beyond their limitations. His focus eventually shifts from external rituals to internal transformation.
The verse encourages seekers to go beyond the external aspects of religious practices, study of Vedas and to deepen their understanding, experience, and connection with the divine reality through the path of yoga. It highlights the importance of inner transformation and realization as the goal of spiritual endeavors.