Verse 6.11

Verse 6.11: “On a pure spot establishing for himself a stable seat, neither too high nor too low, upon which is spread (either) a (soft—) cloth, (or) a deer-skin, (or) Kusa grass; (163)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

I shall now tell it in detail, and it will bear fruit through actual experience only. Therefore, for this study should first be selected a suitable and secluded resort which for sheer loveliness rivets any one visiting and stimulates in him unworldly, renunciatory spirit. The resort should also be hallowed by the habitation of a righteous person thereabout, so that the feeling of contentment grows in volume and strengthens the Soul’s spiritual resolve. In that spot, naturally the spiritual hunger for the Yoga sinks into his Soul, actual experience holds the mind in embrace, while the lovely environments make the heart enjoy the bliss of the self (further). In such a place, it should not be a wonder that even an impious unbeliever passing by it is provoked into a penitent mood and becomes eager to do penance. Even a casual way-farer, with some business in hand accidentally approaching the spot, will forget to return to his home and family concerns. That spot will rivet one intent on not staying there, steady wavering minds, and pat and caress an impious person to awaken into a state of renunciation, so that, even a pleasure-seeker would feel like renouncing the very kingdom of worldly happiness and chooses to stay there quietly, once he sees the spot. It should thus be so lovely, and yet all so pure and holy, that the vision is opened to see directly to the very inner-most being of the Supreme Brahman.

Such a holy place should specially be apart, secluded, the resort of only the seekers of Yoga-study, and none else should tread on its holy precincts. Rich growth of trees laden with fruit should be found to cover the spot, with roots and fruit as sweet as nectar. There do flow, at every step, springs of water, watering it, even in seasons other than the monsoon. Mild rays of the sun should warm it and cool and gentle breezes of wind keep it (the spot) cool. The quiet of the place covered with thick tree growth, should not either be disturbed by beasts or birds, though it might usually be haunted by parrots and bees. Swans or a couple of birds like water-ducks and even cuckoo might on occasions be visiting guests. Though not always, it would not matter much, if peacocks frequent the place now and then. One thing, however, Oh Son of Pandu, is necessary.

The place must be made sacred by a monastery or temple of God Shiva. Either of these as one may like, might be chosen and be used for retiring in solitude. The (best) way of selecting a suitable spot is, that one should first try and see if on a particular spot the mind remains tranquil and steady, and if it does so, then he should select it finally and then prepare a seat there in the following manner; there should be spread out on the top a clean deer-skin; below the skin there should be in the middle a clean washed and folded piece of cloth and below that viz. at the bottom should be spread a matting of straight and uncut kusha grass. The grass weeds should be soft, of uniform length and thickness, and should be so arranged that they could remain together closely-knit. The seat, if too high, would make the body lose its balance and swing (on one side) and if, too low, would make the body feel the touch of the ground. It should, therefore, be a conveniently raised seat. It is unnecessary to discuss this further, the purport being that the seat should be firm and comfortable.