Quote Originally Posted by yajvan View Post
hariḥ oṁ
~~~~~~
namast

When the Lord speaks of eating, it is the notion of feeding the senses; this includes the tongue, but is not exclusive to what one puts into their digestive track. It is what's taken in by the eyes, ears, nose, etc. He is speaking to us about not being excessive in habits.
He calls for moderation and uses the term yukta in the next śloka (6, 17th śloka).

Now this too, also has a subtler meaning. Yukta means 'fit , suitable , appropriate , proper , right', yet it also means 'yoked or joined or fastened or attached or harnessed'. What then can be the deeper meaning here?

iti śivaṁ
If by "eating," The Lord meant sense gratification in general, then (according to you), the verse really means, "there is no possibility of yoga for he who has too much sense gratification or for he who has too little sense gratification."

The first half of the statement would be easy to accept, while the second half would not. The Vedic and Puraanic tradition is full of Rishis who deny themselves the pleasures of the senses and yet attain the highest goal. Although there is no question that outward renunciation while inward meditation on the pleasures of the senses brings only disaster, the successful yogi who renounces enjoyment of the objects of the senses and remains mentally disinterested in them does not fail in the path of yoga.

I would probably go with Lord Krishna's literal words on this one. Everyone has to eat - even the most renounced Rishis will live on leaves, air, and water, but it is something.