Namaskar.
In this episode, Lord Krishna begins by explaining the practice of meditation, emphasizing that the intellect must remain in control of the senses, and not the other way around. True discipline, Krishna explains, comes from inner mastery rather than external restraint.
We then enter Adhyay 6 – Dhyāna Yoga. Krishna clarifies that merely giving up action does not lead to liberation. The true distinction lies between Karma and Karma Yoga—while both involve action, Karma Yoga is performed without attachment to results. One who seeks to attain Yoga-siddhi must act without desire for reward, and one who has attained it must remain calm and steadfast in sustaining that state.
Krishna also introduces an important nuance: even if one is detached from outcomes, being over-attached to a particular role or identity—believing only certain tasks are worthy, or that only one person can perform a job—is also a form of bondage. This Karma-āsakti, or attachment to action itself, must be overcome.
The episode then touches upon one of the most relevant teachings of the Bhagavad Gita—the idea that one must uplift oneself through one’s own efforts. You are your own sculptor. To do this, Krishna emphasizes the need for complete honesty with oneself—a deep awareness of one’s strengths, weaknesses, limitations, and tendencies. Only through such self-knowledge can one truly realize their potential.
Krishna then describes the ideal balanced individual—one who remains equanimous in all situations, treating soil, stone, and gold alike. This teaching is beautifully echoed through references from the lives of Sant Tukaram and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.
The episode concludes with Krishna explaining the importance of an unbiased vision—toward friends and enemies, the virtuous and the sinner, the indifferent and the devoted. Though their behavior toward us may differ, one who perceives the same Bhrama in all beings attains true steadiness and inner freedom.