Verse 6.3

Verse 6.3: “While the aspirant is scaling the (ladder of) Yoga (each antecedent equanimous) action is said to be the mark and means (unto the final goal of perfect equanimity): (and) after the same person has achieved the ascent, the ensuing peaceful mood is said to be the mark and means (for retaining what he has gained). (54)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

Should one be desirous of reaching the top of the uphill path of the Yoga, he must not leave off the step-stones on the path of actions. With the help of these steps he should direct his course to the footpath of the Yogic-postures along the foot of the mountain in the form of self-restraint and comprehensive self-governance (yamaniyama). He should then ascend to the top of the precipice in the form of regulating the breath (prāṇāyāma). There he is confronted with a steep precipice in the form of restraining the senses from their objects, which is so slippery that even the intellect cannot fix or make firm its foot on it. Here the Hathayogins even lose their balance and get themselves precipitated downwards. But with the constant study and practice, the nails of ascetism could get fixed up in the overhanging way to the restraint of the senses referred to, and in this way could be reached the wide region in the form of the abstraction of the mind, along the plateau in the form of breath. This same region should be passed through until the point of profound and abstract contemplation is reached. Here ends that way and also ceases to exist one’s clinging to actions, as the end and the means meet here in an embrace and become one in form. Here ends all talk of taking a step further, while past remembrances get obliterated and the Yogin abides steady on the clear and even ground of enrapt concentration of spiritual meditation. I shall now narrate to you the marks of one, who has reached the highest position, through rapt concentration of spiritual meditation by these means and hear about them.