श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ६.१७ — युक्ताहारविहारस्य — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ६.१७ — युक्ताहारविहारस्य
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
युक्त
yukta
moderate, regulated
आहार
āhāra
eating, food
विहारस्य
vihārasya
of recreation, of activity and rest
युक्तचेष्टस्य
yukta-cheṣhṭasya
balanced in effort
कर्मसु
karmasu
in actions, in work
युक्त
yukta
regulated, moderate
स्वप्न
svapna
sleep
अवबोधस्य
avabodhasya
of wakefulness, of being awake
योगः
yogaḥ
Yoga
भवति
bhavati
becomes
दुःखहा
duḥkha-hā
the destroyer of sorrows
Complete Translation
जो आहार और विहार में संयमी है, कर्मों में यथायोग्य चेष्टा करने वाला है, तथा सोने और जागने में परिमित है — उस पुरुष के लिए योग दुःखों का नाश करने वाला होता है।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 6, Verse 17
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
In the sixth chapter, the Yoga of Meditation (Dhyana Yoga), Krishna describes how the yogi should sit, control the mind, and practice. He clarifies that yoga is not for one who eats or sleeps too much, nor for one who eats or sleeps too little. This verse gives the balanced ideal: through moderation in all things, yoga itself becomes the remover of sorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 6.17?▼
Krishna teaches that yoga becomes the destroyer of all sorrows for the person who is moderate in eating, recreation, work, sleep and wakefulness. The verse establishes moderation and balance as the key to a peaceful, successful spiritual life.
Why is moderation so important in yoga?▼
Because both overindulgence and extreme self-denial disturb the body and mind, making meditation impossible. A balanced life keeps the body healthy and the mind steady, allowing yoga to flourish and dissolve suffering.
Does this verse apply only to meditators?▼
While spoken in the context of meditation, its wisdom is universal. Anyone who lives with balance in diet, activity, rest and sleep gains greater health, clarity and peace — making it a practical guide for everyday well-being.
What does 'destroyer of sorrows' mean here?▼
It means that yoga, practiced by one who lives a balanced life, removes both physical and mental suffering. By harmonizing one's habits, the practitioner becomes capable of the deep meditation that brings lasting freedom from sorrow.
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