श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 6.16 — नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 6.16 — नात्यश्नतस्तु योगोऽस्ति
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
न
na
not
अति
ati
too much
अश्नतः
aśhnataḥ
of one who eats
तु
tu
however, indeed
योगः
yogaḥ
Yoga
अस्ति
asti
there is
न च एकान्तम्
na cha ekāntam
nor at all
अनश्नतः
anaśhnataḥ
of one abstaining from eating
अतिस्वप्नशीलस्य
ati-svapna-śhīlasya
of one who sleeps too much
जाग्रतः
jāgrataḥ
of one who stays awake too much
न एव च
na eva cha
certainly not, and
अर्जुन
arjuna
O Arjuna
Complete Translation
परन्तु, हे अर्जुन ! यह योग उस पुरुष के लिए सम्भव नहीं होता, जो अधिक खाने वाला है या बिल्कुल न खाने वाला है तथा जो अधिक सोने वाला है या सदा जागने वाला है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 16
Author: Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa)
Period: Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
Within the Dhyana Yoga chapter, Krishna moves from the posture and place of meditation to the lifestyle that supports it. This verse and the one that follows form the Gita's prescription of the 'middle way' of moderation, long before the seeker can hope to still the restless mind. It reflects the timeless wisdom that the body must be a balanced ally, not an enemy, on the path.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the message of Bhagavad Gita 6.16?▼
Krishna teaches that yoga succeeds only with moderation. One who eats too much or fasts excessively, sleeps too much or stays awake too long, cannot attain the steadiness required for meditation. Balance in daily habits is essential.
Does the Gita recommend fasting for yoga?▼
Not extreme fasting. This verse explicitly says yoga is impossible for one who does not eat at all, just as for one who overeats. The Gita favours a balanced, moderate diet (described further in the next verse, 6.17).
Why does diet and sleep matter for meditation?▼
The body and mind are instruments of yoga. Overeating brings dullness, starvation brings weakness, oversleeping brings inertia, and sleeplessness brings agitation. Moderation keeps the mind clear, light and steady for inner practice.
How can I apply this verse practically?▼
Establish a regular routine: moderate sattvic meals at fixed times, sufficient but not excessive sleep, balanced work and recreation. This regulated lifestyle, called yukta-ahara-vihara, is the foundation Krishna prescribes for meditation.
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