Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 6.17

“One who is moderate in eating, recreation, effort, sleep, and wakefulness attains yoga that destroys pain.”
Key Teaching: Moderation in all activities leads to paindestroying yoga.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna teaches that moderation in eating, recreation, effort, sleep, and wakefulness leads to yoga that destroys pain. This verse, continuing 6.16, addresses Arjuna’s lack of discipline (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies balanced yoga, and Dhyana Yoga, as he emphasizes pain relief, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s emotional imbalance (1.28–46) causes pain. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s immoderate actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to practice moderation for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 5.28).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human cause of suffering, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on balance (2.48, 6.16). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance for moderate yoga. The theme of Dhyana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on painfree liberation.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its balanced clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s imbalances, where moderation destroys pain. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with balance, aligning with liberation.