Bhagavad Gita 6.16 — Yoga Is Not Attained Through Excessive Eating, Fasting, Sleeping, or Wakefulness
नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति न चैकान्तमनश्नतः।
न चातिस्वप्नशीलस्य जाग्रतो नैव चार्जुन॥ ६.१६॥
O Arjuna, yoga cannot be perfected by one who eats excessively, nor by one who practices extreme fasting. Likewise, it is not attained by one who sleeps too much or by one who deprives oneself of sleep. A balanced way of living is essential for success in yoga.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not |
| atyaśnataḥ | for one who eats excessively |
| tu | indeed |
| yogaḥ | Yoga |
| asti | is possible |
| na | nor |
| ca | and |
| ekāntam | at all |
| anaśnataḥ | for one who completely abstains from eating |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | nor |
| ca | and |
| atisvapnaśīlasya | for one who sleeps excessively |
| jāgrataḥ | for one who remains awake excessively |
| na | not |
| eva | indeed |
| ca | and |
| arjuna | O Arjuna! |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| na | not | na | nor |
| atyaśnataḥ | for one who eats excessively | ca | and |
| tu | indeed | atisvapnaśīlasya | for one who sleeps excessively |
| yogaḥ | Yoga | jāgrataḥ | for one who remains awake excessively |
| asti | is possible | na | not |
| na | nor | eva | indeed |
| ca | and | ca | and |
| ekāntam | at all | arjuna | O Arjuna! |
| anaśnataḥ | for one who completely abstains from eating | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna warns against both excessive austerity and excessive indulgence, emphasizing that balance is essential for progress on the path of yoga.
Essence
Lord Krishna's Profound Practical Insight
Here, Lord Krishna presents one of the most important principles of yoga—moderation. He explains that every kind of excess becomes an obstacle to spiritual progress.
Nātyaśnatas tu (not for one who overeats): A person who eats excessively makes the body heavy and the mind dull. In such a condition, concentration and meditation become difficult.
Na caikāntam anaśnataḥ (nor for one who fasts excessively): On the other hand, extreme fasting or unnecessarily torturing the body is equally unsuitable. A weak body and an exhausted mind cannot support deep meditation.
Na cāti-svapna-śīlasya (not for one who oversleeps): Excessive sleep promotes laziness and inertia, reducing alertness and mental clarity.
Jāgrato naiva cārjuna (nor for one who remains awake excessively): Likewise, staying awake for too long and neglecting proper rest weakens both the body and the mind, making meditation difficult.
Lord Krishna's message is clear: yoga is a path of harmony and balance. Neither indulgence nor unnecessary self-denial leads to spiritual success.
Message for Everyday Life (The Power of Balance)
Excess in any area is harmful: Whether it is food, sleep, work, or entertainment, moderation is essential for a healthy and balanced life.
Practical approach: Develop a daily routine that includes balanced meals, sufficient rest, and regular activity. A balanced lifestyle naturally creates a steady mind that is fit for meditation and spiritual growth.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has explained that moderation is essential for success in yoga. He now goes a step further, showing how balance in food, recreation, work, sleep, and wakefulness enables yoga to free a person from suffering.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Excess in any direction weakens inner harmony.
Wellness grows through balance, not extremes.
Consistency thrives where moderation exists.
Healthy routines support a focused mind.
The path of yoga is guided by balance, not deprivation.
Sustainable progress comes from measured living.
Moderation protects both body and mind.