98 THE PATH OF PERFECTION Failure and Success in Yoga 99
should be executed with that goal in mind. It is not that one at- defeat the practitioner by various allurements. A conditioned soul
tends yoga classes to reduce fat or to keep the body fit for sense is already allured by the modes of material energy, and there is
gratification. This is not the goal of yoga, but people are taught this every chance of being allured again, even while performing tran-
way because they want to be cheated. Actually, if you undergo any scendental disciplines. This is called yogdc calita-manasah: devia-
exercise program, your body will be kept fit. There are many tion from the transcendental path. Arjuna is inquisitive to know
systems of bodily exercise—weight lifting and other sports—and the results of deviation from the path of self-realization.

they help keep the body fit, reduce fat, and help the digestive As stated in Bhagavad-gita (6.37), quoted above, yogat means
system. Therefore there is no need to practice yoga for these pur- “from the practice of yoga,” calita means “diversion,” and mana-
poses. The real purpose for practicing yoga is to realize that I am sah means “‘mind.”” So there is every chance for the mind to
not this body. I want eternal happiness, complete knowledge, and be diverted from yoga practice. We all have some experience of
-eternal life—that is the ultimate end of the true yoga system. trying to concentrate by reading a book, and our mind is so dis-__-

The goal of yoga is transcendental, beyond both body and turbed that it does not allow us to concentrate on the book.

mind. Self-realization is sought by three methods: (1) the path of Actually, Arjuna is asking a very important question, for one is
knowledge (jfidna); (2) the path of the eightfold system; or (3) subject to failure in all types of yoga—be It the eightfold yoga
the path of bhakti-yoga. In each of these processes, one has to re- system, the jriana-yoga system of speculative philosophy, or the
alize the constitutional position of the living entity, his relationship bhakti-yoga system of devotional service. Failure is possible on
with God, and the activities whereby he can reestablish the lost any of these paths, and the results of failure are clearly explained
link and achieve the highest perfectional stage of Krsna conscious- by Sri Krsna Himself in the following dialogue with Arjuna
ness. Following any of the above-mentioned three methods, one (Bg. 6.38-44). Arjuna, continuing his inquiry, asks,

is sure to reach the supreme goal sooner or later. This was asserted . ; .

by the Lord in the Second Chapter: even a little endeavor on the kaccin nobhaya-vibhrastas

transcendental path offers a great hope for deliverance. chinnabhram iva nasyati

_ Of these three methods, the path of bhakti-yoga is especially apratistho maha-baho

suitable for this age, because it is the most direct method of God vimudho brahmanah pathi

realization. To be doubly assured, Arjuna is asking Lord Krsna to . . .
confirm His former statement. One may sincerely accept the path “O mighty-armed Krsna, does not such a man, being deviated
of self-realization, but the process of cultivation of knowledge from the path of Transcendence, perish like a riven cloud, with no
(jfidna) and the practice of the eightfold yoga system are generally position in any sphere?

very difficult for this age. Therefore, despite constant endeavor, ae

one may fail for many reasons. First of all, one may not be actually elan me samsayam kr sna

following the process, the rules and regulations. To pursue the chettum ari hasy asesatah

transcendental path is more or less to declare war on the illusory tvad-anyah Samsayasyasya

energy. When we accept any process of self-realization, we are ac- chetta na hy upapadyate

tually declaring war against mdyd, illusion, and maya is certain to . .

place many difficulties before us. Therefore, there is a chance of “This is my doubt, O Krsna, and I ask You to dispel it completely.
failure, but one has to become very steady. Whenever a person But for Yourself, no one is to be found who can destroy this
tries to escape the clutches of the illusory energy, she tries to doubt.”
