The Yoga of Meditation

Krishna explains the path to yoga in two stages. 'Ārurukṣoḥ muneḥ yogam'—for the sage who wishes to ascend to yoga—'karma kāraṇam ucyate'—action (karma) is said to be the means (kāraṇa). This means: when you're beginning the path, when you're still aspiring to yoga, action is necessary. You perform duties without attachment, and through this practice, you develop the capacity for yoga. But 'yogārūḍhasya'—for one who has attained yoga—'tasyaiva śamaḥ kāraṇam ucyate'—for that person, tranquility (śama) is said to be the means. This means: once you've reached yoga, once you've achieved inner detachment and stability, then tranquility becomes the path. You don't need to keep acting externally—you can rest in peace. This verse clarifies the progression: action first (for those ascending), then tranquility (for those who've attained). Both are valid, but at different stages of the journey.