इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते ।
तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि ॥ ६७ ॥
indriyāṇāṁ hi charatāṁ yan mano ’nuvidhīyate
tadasya harati prajñāṁ vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi
जिस तरह हवा पानी में तैरती हुई नाव को उसके मार्ग से भटका देती है, उसी प्रकार जिसका मन भटकती इंद्रियों का अनुसरण करता है, वह अपनी बुद्धि को खो बैठता है।
The mind that constantly follows any of the wandering senses, loses its intelligence, just as the wind sweeps away a boat on water away from its course.
Bhagavad Gita verse 2.67 presents a profound metaphor comparing the human mind to a boat swept away by strong winds. In this verse, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna how even a single wandering sense can overpower the mind and carry away one's intelligence, just as a powerful wind can divert a boat from its intended course on water.
The Sanskrit text "indriyāṇāṃ hi caratāṃ yan mano'nuvidhīyate, tad asya harati prajñāṃ vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi" illustrates the mechanics of how our senses, mind, and intelligence interact. The verse reveals that when our senses wander toward their objects of desire, the mind follows. When the mind becomes fixated on a particular sense object, it carries away our discrimination and wisdom (prajñām), leaving us vulnerable to making poor decisions.
Krishna is highlighting a critical aspect of human psychology: the relationship between sensory input and mental control. Our five senses constantly gather information from the external world, but the danger arises when the mind latches onto these sensory inputs without discrimination. Even focusing on just one sense object can be enough to disrupt our internal equilibrium and divert us from our spiritual path.
Consider how this plays out in everyday life: you might be engaged in important work when your ears catch the sound of your favorite music playing nearby. The sense (hearing) notices the pleasurable sound (sense object). If your mind follows and becomes absorbed in this sensory experience, your attention shifts from your work to the music. Soon, your intelligence also gets drawn in, perhaps planning how to better enjoy the music or reminiscing about past experiences associated with it. Before you know it, your important task lies neglected.
This verse teaches us about the insidious nature of sensory distraction. The senses themselves cannot force us to indulge; they merely make us aware of potential objects of pleasure. However, when an undisciplined mind follows these sensory inputs, it begins developing desires that become increasingly difficult to resist. Like a boat without a skilled helmsman being pushed by the wind in unintended directions, our intelligence is swept away when the mind surrenders to sensory fascination.
In a broader context, this verse highlights why controlled senses are essential for spiritual advancement. When our senses are uncontrolled, they continuously pull us toward material objects, making spiritual focus nearly impossible. Sri A.C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupada comments that all senses must be engaged in the service of the Lord as the correct technique for controlling the mind. This engagement redirects the natural tendency of the senses to wander, channeling their energy toward spiritual rather than material pursuits.
The wisdom of this verse remains remarkably relevant in our modern world, where sensory stimulation is constant and often overwhelming. Digital devices, social media, advertising, and entertainment all compete for our attention through sensory channels. In this environment, the ability to maintain mental focus becomes even more crucial and challenging. The ancient wisdom of the Gita offers us a timeless understanding of human psychology and the path to inner mastery through sense control and mental discipline.
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