Buddhi Yoga is a distinctive term exclusively employed in the Bhagavad Gita, appearing only three times (2.49; 10.10; 18.57). In this context, 'Buddhi' signifies intellect, while 'yoga' denotes both perfect concentration and union. Therefore, Buddhiyoga is the path of spiritual discipline in which the intellect (buddhi) plays a crucial role, ultimately guiding towards the union of the individual soul (jiva) with the Supreme Soul (Paramatman).
Ordinarily, karma or action binds an individual due to
selfish desires motivating it. However, if one performs karma with the full
awareness that selfish motivations lead to samsara, the cycle of
transmigration, and recognizes that selfless service and devotion to God lead
to liberation, it transforms into Buddhi Yoga. This transformation, rooted in
unselfish motives, paves the way for the ultimate union with God.
Commentators of the Bhagavad Gita have offered various
interpretations of Buddhi Yoga, depending on the context. Some of these
interpretations include karma performed with equanimity, nishkama-karma-yoga
leading to self-knowledge (atmajnana), yoga accompanied by the vision of the
atman, and the union of the mind with God, among others. Despite the diverse
interpretations, they converge to convey the essence described above.