Chapter 6 Shloka 3
आरुरुक्षोर्मुनेर्योगं कर्म कारणमुच्यते।
योगारूढस्य तस्यैव शम: कारणमुच्यते।।३।।
Now the Lord once again describes the importance of actions in yoga and the method whereby one can accomplish yoga.
Engaging in actions is the means for that Muni who wants to attain Yoga, and restraint is the mark of the one who has attained Yoga.
Action is the operative factor in the attainment of the state of yoga:
1. Action is the means to attain yoga.
2. Success in yoga is impossible without action.
3. Action is the mainstay of yoga.
4. Action is that medium which will, surely and without fail, establish an individual in yoga.
Little one, understand clearly. Actions are performed by all – and the Lord has specified action to be the mainstay of yoga. Then why is it that everyone does not become a Yogi?
The actions of a Yogi
Those established in yoga:
a) perform deeds with a view to achieving union with Brahm;
b) act towards achieving union with the Atma;
c) act to become free from the body idea and the intellect which is partial to the body;
d) act to fulfil the purpose of the Supreme;
e) act in identification with the Supreme;
f) do not perform actions for the fulfilment of selfish purposes or for self establishment;
g) offer all their actions at the Lord’s feet;
h) perform all deeds with the Lord as their witness;
i) perform all actions selflessly and devoid of attachment.
Sham (शम)
Sham is described here as the mark of one who is united with the Supreme. Sham means:
a) to be at peace;
b) to be devoid of all thoughts – positive or negative;
c) to be ever joyous;
d) to possess a healthy mind;
e) to be silent within;
f) to be devoid of desire;
g) to be patient and forbearing.
The Lord says, it is through sham that the Yogi achieves selflessness and becomes detached. Thus does he become devoid of any personal plans for himself.
The Lord is clarifying here that it is impossible to be established in yoga without being established in selflessness. If the mind is constantly preoccupied with thoughts and plans for selfish ends, yoga is impossible. Therefore it is said that for an aspirant of yoga, both sham and action are imperative.
