Verse-68
Chapter 2 — Sānkhya Yog
Verse 68
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
tasmādyasya mahābāho nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ
indriyāṇīndriyārthebhya stasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā
🕉 English Translation
📜 Translation
English
Therefore, O mighty armed one! The one who has utterly restrained his senses from the sensual objects, his intellect is firmly seated.
The Blessed Lord appears to be giving a conclusion in this verse. By giving the example of the tortoise to illustrate the discipline of the senses in the 58th verse the same fact is now being elaborated through argument, logic, example and inspiration, and also in the form of a warning. Here again by using this word 'tasmat', the dexterous deliverer of the Gita's sermon Shri Krishna makes it extemely clear that the stability of intellect is dependent on self-discipline. To achieve the highest state of steady intellect it is imperative to give up the outgoing tendencies. One cannot have the cake and eat it too. The senses should remain indulgent and attracted towards the objects and intellect also should become steady. Both are not possible at the same time. Wherever the word 'tasmat' has been used in Shri Gitaji by the Lord, it is in the form of giving decisive guidelines. Alongside the seeker has been firmly motivated to attain that state.
The word 'sarvashah' requires special deliberation. All senses in all manner are to be restrained and within one's control. No slackness in the least. The consequence of the slightest slackness has already been warned against. That is why every word of the Gita requires thought, and is to be imbibed with seriousness.