तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः ।
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥ ६८ ॥
tasmād yasya mahā-bāho nigṛihītāni sarvaśhaḥ
indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā
इसलिए हे महाबाहु अर्जुन, जिस मनुष्य की इंद्रियां विषय से पूरी तरह विरक्त हो गई हैं, उसे पूर्ण ज्ञान में दृढ़ता से स्थापित माना जाना चाहिए।
Therefore, O mighty-armed Arjuna, one whose senses are completely withdrawn from their objects, he is to be considered firmly established in perfect wisdom.
In Bhagavad Gita 2.68, Lord Krishna presents a pivotal teaching on achieving steady intelligence (sthita prajna). He states, "Therefore, O mighty-armed, one whose senses are restrained from their objects is certainly of steady intelligence." This verse serves as a conclusion to Krishna's discourse on sense control, emphasizing that mastery over one's senses is the foundation for spiritual stability.
The Sanskrit term "sarvasah" used in this verse is significant as it indicates that sense control must be comprehensive—covering all senses in all situations. Nothing less than complete vigilance will suffice. Krishna deliberately addresses Arjuna as "maha-baho" (mighty-armed), drawing a parallel between Arjuna's physical prowess in conquering external enemies and the inner strength needed to conquer his own senses.
This verse comes after Krishna's detailed explanation of how unchecked senses can lead to a destructive chain reaction. He uses the metaphor of a rudderless ship being blown about by winds to illustrate how uncontrolled senses (the winds) can carry away the mind (the ship) and destabilize one's intelligence (direction). The image powerfully conveys the vulnerability of even a strong-minded person when sense control is neglected.
Krishna is not advocating for a joyless life devoid of sensory experience. Rather, he's guiding Arjuna toward purposeful living. The distinction is subtle but profound—when our senses are directed by higher purpose rather than momentary pleasure, we experience deeper fulfillment. This reorientation transforms sense restraint from mere self-denial into a positive path toward spiritual clarity.
True power, Krishna suggests, lies not in external conquests but in self-mastery. In a world obsessed with outward displays of power through wealth, beauty, or influence, Krishna redirects our attention to the ultimate form of power: the ability to govern our own mind and senses. This internal sovereignty allows us to make conscious choices rather than being driven by every sensory impulse that arises.
The verse also hints at a practical approach to spiritual advancement. Instead of attempting to suppress desires directly (which often strengthens them), Krishna recommends redirecting the quality and direction of our thoughts toward higher ideals. This transformation naturally results in a tranquil psyche that can navigate the material world without becoming entangled in attachment or aversion.
In conclusion, Bhagavad Gita 2.68 presents sense control as the foundation for steady intelligence. Like an aircraft pilot who must maintain vigilance even during small disturbances to avoid catastrophic failure, those aspiring to spiritual stability must exercise continuous discipline over their senses. This discipline, however, is not merely restrictive but ultimately liberating—enabling one to act with clarity, purpose, and inner peace amidst life's inevitable challenges.
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