56_Bhagavad Gita: Chapter 6, Verse 1 to 4

<p><br></p><p><br></p><p>In this chapter the Lord explains that the process of the eightfold&nbsp;<em>yoga&nbsp;</em>system is a means to control the mind and the senses. However, this is very difficult for people in general to perform, especially in the age of Kali. Although the eightfold&nbsp;<em>yoga&nbsp;</em>system is recommended in this chapter, the Lord emphasizes that the process of&nbsp;<em>karma-yoga,&nbsp;</em>or acting in Krsna consciousness, is better. Everyone acts in this world to maintain his family and their paraphernalia, but no one is working without some self-interest, some personal gratification, be it concentrated or extended. The criterion of perfection is to act in Krsna consciousness, and not with a view to enjoying the fruits of work. To act in Krsna consciousness is the duty of every living entity because all are constitutionally parts and parcels of the Supreme. The parts of the body work for the satisfaction of the whole body. The limbs of the body do not act for self-satisfaction but for the satisfaction of the complete whole. Similarly, the living entity who acts for satisfaction of the supreme whole and not for personal satisfaction is the perfect&nbsp;<em>sannyasi,&nbsp;</em>the perfect&nbsp;<em>yogi</em>.</p><p> The&nbsp;<em>sannyasis&nbsp;</em>sometimes artificially think that they have become liberated from all material duties, and therefore they cease to perform&nbsp;<em>agnihotra yajnas&nbsp;</em>(fire sacrifices), but actually they are self-interested because their goal is becoming one with the impersonal Brahman. Such a desire is greater than any material desire, but it is not without self-interest. Similarly, the mystic&nbsp;<em>yogi&nbsp;</em>who practices the&nbsp;<em>yoga&nbsp;</em>system with half-open eyes, ceasing all material activities, desires some satisfaction for his personal self. But a person acting in Krsna consciousness works for the satisfaction of the whole, without self-interest. A Krsna conscious person has no desire for self-satisfaction. His criterio