6.28 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 6, Verse 28

Verse 6.28 of the Bhagavad Gita presents the culmination of the yogic journey described in previous verses, revealing the ultimate reward for one who has mastered control of the mind. Krishna explains that the yogi who consistently practices meditation with unwavering dedication gradually becomes free from all impurities (vigata-kalmaṣaḥ) and effortlessly attains supreme bliss through contact with Brahman (brahma-saṃsparśam).

This verse serves as a natural progression from earlier teachings about mind control, showing that persistent practice leads to a profound spiritual transformation. The Sanskrit term "yuñjann evaṃ sadātmānaṃ" indicates that the yogi continuously engages in the process of self-realization through meditation. This is not a sporadic effort but a constant dedication to maintaining awareness of one's spiritual nature.

The spiritual practitioner who follows this path experiences a gradual purification. The term "vigata-kalmaṣaḥ" signifies that all sins or impurities are removed through this practice. These impurities include not just external actions but the internal tendencies toward passion, ignorance, and attachment that cloud one's spiritual vision. As these impurities are burned away through dedicated practice, the yogi becomes increasingly capable of experiencing deeper states of consciousness.

What makes this verse particularly encouraging is the word "sukhena" – indicating that this attainment comes "easily" or "happily" to the dedicated practitioner. This suggests that while the initial stages of yoga practice may require significant effort and discipline, there comes a point where the practice itself becomes joyful. The struggle diminishes as one progresses, and the practitioner finds themselves naturally drawn toward deeper states of meditation and awareness.

The culmination of this practice is described as "brahma-saṃsparśam atyantaṃ sukham" – the supreme, boundless happiness that comes from contact with Brahman. This is not an ordinary happiness based on sensory pleasures or worldly achievements. Rather, it's a transcendent bliss that arises from directly experiencing one's connection with the ultimate spiritual reality. The term "saṃsparśam" (contact) is particularly significant, suggesting not just an intellectual understanding but a direct, experiential knowledge of Brahman.

This state represents the realization of one's true spiritual identity. The yogi recognizes themselves as part and parcel of the Supreme, qualitatively one with the divine while maintaining their individual nature. In this state of consciousness, the practitioner is no longer bound by the limitations of material existence or troubled by the dualities of pleasure and pain, gain and loss. They have transcended the ordinary conditions of life to experience an unchanging, ever-fresh spiritual happiness.

The verse beautifully encapsulates the essence of yoga as a journey from struggle to spontaneity, from effort to effortlessness, and from fragmented consciousness to wholeness. It shows that the dedicated practice of yoga leads not just to self-control but to self-transformation – a complete shift in how we experience ourselves and the world around us. The supreme bliss described here isn't something alien to our nature but rather the natural state of the soul when freed from illusion and material entanglement. Through consistent practice, the yogi rediscovers this inherent bliss and lives in the awareness of their eternal connection with the Supreme.