Verse-26
Chapter 4 — Gyan Karma Sannayasa Yoga
Verse 26
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
śrotrādīnīndriyāṇyanye saṁyamāgniṣu juhvati
śabdādīnviṣayānanya indriyāgniṣu juhvati
🕉 English Translation
Sanyam ki agni mein kuch yogijan,
Karte hain sab indriyo ka havan.
Kayee karte sab indriya vishayo ka,
Indriya roop agni mein havan sadaa
📜 Translation
English
Some yogis offer hearing and all other senses into the fire of self-restraint and others offer sound and other objects of senses as sacrifice in the fire of senses.
The senses invariably remain oriented outwards. The end of their attraction towards the respective objects of indulgence and senses would be the fire of self restraint. The oblation of the inclination of attachment and attraction of senses to sensual objects should be consigned to the fire of self-restraint. This in itself is sacrifice for those seekers who wish to progress on the path of self-seeking. Not limited to this, certain other yogis make such a firm determination-sound, touch, form, taste and smell, etc. are the also objects of senses. But one is not under their control. The river flows into the ocean but the ocean is unaffected and remains just the same, grave and serene. One is observing and listening without the inmost self being in the least affected.
To see to what heights and depth the Gita's preacher wishes to take the spirit of sacrifice, keep on reading and understanding and deriving joy out of these splendid inspirations. This is a glorious state of self-seeking. In the state of self absorption (samadhi) kindled by the fire of knowledge, first the sacrifice of the senses and then even the sacrifice of the vital energy (prana). This is not merely the state of hearing and studying. Hearing and studying in relation to this perform the function of motivating, but the accomplishment can only be if it is experienced. Arouse your eagerness and that too ardent and forceful.