If you cannot fix the mind firmly in Me, then, O Dhanamjaya!, try to reach Me through the practice of yoga.

Kṛṣṇa presents a graduated alternative. If immediate absorption (cittaṃ samādhātuṃ) is impossible, abhyāsa-yoga is offered — yoga of repeated practice.

Abhyāsa implies systematic effort, returning again and again to concentration. Patanjali defines yoga as citta-vṛtti-nirodha (YS 1.2), attained through abhyāsa and vairāgya (YS 1.12).

The tone is compassionate: “If you cannot… then…”. Kṛṣṇa recognizes human limitations and offers paths adapted to each capacity. There is no failure, only different speeds of approach.