20
The Perfection of Yoga
“For one who has conquered the mind, the Supersoul is already reached, for he has attained tranquility.” (Bg. 6.7) This material world has been likened to a great forest fire. As in the forest, fire may automatically take place, so in this material world, although we may try to live peacefully, there is always a great conflagration. It is not possible to live in peace anywhere in the material world. But for one who is transcendentally situated—either by the meditational  yoga  system or by the empirical philosophical method, or by  bhakti-yoga —peace is possible. All forms of  yoga  are meant for transcendental life, but the method of chanting is especially effective in this age.  Kīrtana  may go on for hours, and one may not feel tired, but it is difficult to sit in lotus position perfectly still for more than a few minutes. Yet regardless of the process, once the fire of material life is extinguished, one does not simply experience what is called the impersonal void. Rather, as Kṛṣṇa tells Arjuna, one enters into the supreme abode.
yuñjann evaṁ sadātmānaṁ 
    yogī niyata-mānasaḥ 
    śāntiṁ nirvāṇa-paramāṁ 
    mat-saṁsthām adhigacchati
“By meditating in this manner, always controlling the body, mind and activities, the mystic transcendentalist attains to peace, the supreme  nirvāṇa  which abides in Me.” (Bg. 6.15) Kṛṣṇa’s abode is not void. It is like an establishment, and in an establishment there is a variety of engagements. The successful  yogī  actually attains to the Kingdom of God where