Self-study

September 7, 2026

Retired senior IAS officer in the Punjab Government. Geeta Aahoron

Having a ‘fire in the mind’ means being filled with energy and enthusiasm to pursue one’s desires, interests, and duties in the material world. When such energy is used for self-realization, it is called the fire of yoga. In this context, Sri Krishna says, “Other yogis offer all the activities of the senses and all the activities of the vital force to the fire of yoga, selfcontrol, illuminated by knowledge.” (4.27) In daily life, we offer sensual objects like beautiful flowers and delicious food to God. This verse goes beyond this and says that offerings are to be made of sensual activities like fame, taste, beauty, or smell, not just the sensual objects themselves. The senses keep us connected to the external world through attachment to objects, and when these senses are sacrificed, divisions are dissolved and unity is achieved. Sri Krishna further says, “Some men perform material sacrifices, some perform the sacrifice of austerity, and still others perform the sacrifice of yoga. Some men, endowed with strong vows like non-violence, etc., perform the sacrifice of knowledge in the form of self-study.” (4.28) Sri Krishna mentioned Swadhyaya as one of the yagnas (spiritual sacrifices). This process gave rise to many disciplines, such as psychology, medicine, and contemporary self-help writing. From childhood, we are categorized based on factors acquired at birth, such as nationality, caste, or religion. We spend the rest of our lives defending these divisions. Excessive oppression or violence at an early age ingrains this sense of categorization. Similarly, categorizations based on characteristics such as intelligent or wise, hardworking or lazy, exist, and there is no end to these. Similarly, we form judgments about ourselves and others based on various factors and expend energy in supporting them. Self-study involves examining and renouncing these divisions as a sacrifice.