Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 31 (BG 6.31) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

# BG 6.31 The yogi whose mind is unified in meditation constantly seeks and worships Me. Thus, while engaging in all manner of worldly activities, he remains established in Me alone. The essential purpose of this verse is to demonstrate that it is not necessary for one who has realized the Self to withdraw into some unknown cave in the Himalayas to live a life of renunciation. The Lord teaches that while performing all the ordinary duties of life and navigating all circumstances, one can remain established in the knowledge of one's true nature. When a person falls ill, they must cease their daily activities and remain in a hospital for treatment; but once they have recovered completely, this is no longer necessary. Upon regaining health, they resume their work with even greater enthusiasm. Similarly, for one whose personality has become fragmented, the practice of meditation is prescribed as a remedy. Through this practice, when such a person recognizes their true nature and attains divine strength, they can certainly return to their former field of action and, while performing duties, maintain and strengthen the knowledge of completeness. In truth, enduring and fruitful action can be performed skillfully only when the doer is established in the knowledge of the Self. This is the message of the Gita: that actions performed with the spirit of dedication become the means of self-elevation. It is noteworthy that Sri Krishna, in fact, exposed himself to the perils of war even more than Arjuna. Before reaching the warrior seated in the chariot, the enemy's arrows strike the charioteer first. Sri Krishna entered the battlefield bearing no weapon other than a gentle smile that enchants all the world. Thereafter, He alone remained the master and focal point of the entire war, with all the events of that great battle revolving around Him. This signifies that one who knows the Self can perform actions in any field while maintaining awareness of their true nature. While studying this commentary, some readers may think that in our enthusiasm we are reading more meaning into this verse than is warranted. However, they should reflect more carefully, paying particular attention to the word *vartamano* (while remaining/while being).