Shloka 42
Dhyana Yoga — Atma Samyama Yoga
अथवा योगिनामेव कुले भवति धीमताम् । एतद्धि दुर्लभतरं लोके जन्म यदीदृशम् ॥ ६.४२ ॥
athavā yoginām eva kule bhavati dhīmatām | etad dhi durlabhataram loke janma yad īdṛśam || 6.42 ||
あるいは、智慧あるヨーギーたちの家系に生まれる。まことに、このような生はこの世においていっそう得難い。
“Or else he is born in the family of wise yogins; indeed such a birth is rarer in this world.”
“Or he comes to be in the lineage of yogins who are discerning; for such a birth is indeed more difficult to obtain in the world.”
Interpretations differ on whether this is a higher alternative to 6.41 (a more advanced practitioner) or simply another possibility; many commentators treat it as the superior outcome.
FAQs
It highlights the role of community and culture: being surrounded by disciplined models can accelerate learning and stabilize motivation.
The verse suggests karmic eligibility for advanced contexts—rebirth among practitioners—supporting a gradual path across lives.
It continues the reassurance by describing an especially favorable rebirth for the incomplete yogic practitioner.
It can be reframed as the importance of mentorship networks and value-oriented households for sustaining long-term contemplative or ethical practice.