Bhagavad Gita 6.44 · Krishna
Carried by past practice
पूर्वाभ्यासेन तेनैव ह्रियते ह्यवशोऽपि सः।
जिज्ञासुरपि योगस्य शब्दब्रह्मातिवर्तते॥
pūrvābhyāsena tenaiva hriyate hyavaśo’api saḥjijñāsurapi yogasya śabdabrahmātivartate
By that earlier practice, they are carried on, even without choosing. Even one who only longs to know yoga goes beyond scripture's letter.
Words
- yoga
What it means
Krishna describes the power of past practice. It carries the seeker forward, almost on its own, like a current. Even someone who simply wishes to know yoga, the inner path, goes beyond those who only follow the outer letter of the scriptures. Sincere longing is powerful.
The story
Arjuna is being carried right now. Years of discipline and devotion to dharma have brought him to this conversation. He didn't plan it. His past practice pulled him here.
In your life
Picture someone who finds themselves drawn to a yoga class or a quiet chapel, not knowing why. Follow that pull. Sometimes old practice is calling you forward.
Past practice carries you forward.