Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 67
Sanskrit Verse
indriyāṇāṁ hi charatāṁ yan mano ’nuvidhīyate
tadasya harati prajñāṁ vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi
Simple Meaning
O Arjuna!
When the mind follows wandering senses, those senses carry away a person’s wisdom, just as a strong wind sweeps a boat off its course on the water.
Detailed Explanation
Wandering Senses Disturb the Mind
Krishna explains that the senses naturally move toward worldly objects and pleasures.
If the mind constantly follows these wandering senses, it becomes restless and distracted.
Such a person loses inner balance and clarity.
The Mind Follows the Senses
The mind is deeply influenced by what the senses see, hear, and experience.
When the senses are uncontrolled, the mind also becomes uncontrolled.
This leads to confusion, impulsive behavior, and lack of focus.
Loss of Wisdom and Discernment
Krishna says that uncontrolled senses can steal away a person’s prajñā—their wisdom and discrimination.
A person then loses the ability to make wise decisions and drifts away from the right path.
Example of the Boat and Wind
Krishna gives a vivid comparison:
Just as a powerful wind can push a boat far away from its direction in the middle of water,
similarly, uncontrolled senses can carry away the intellect of a person.
Importance of Sense Control
To remain stable and wise, a person must learn to control the senses and direct the mind properly.
Self-discipline helps preserve inner peace, focus, and spiritual awareness.
Key Points
- Wandering senses make the mind restless
- The mind easily follows uncontrolled desires
- Lack of sense control destroys wisdom
- Self-discipline protects clarity and balance
- Controlled senses lead to peace and right judgment
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse teaches that the greatest battle is within the mind.
External distractions only gain power when the senses are uncontrolled.
Krishna emphasizes that true wisdom comes from mastering the senses and maintaining inner awareness.
The deeper truth is: A disciplined mind remains steady even in the middle of worldly distractions.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Indriyāṇām – Of the senses
Hi – Certainly
Charatām – Wandering / roaming
Yat – Which
Manaḥ – Mind
Anuvidhīyate – Follows
Tat – That
Asya – Of that person
Harati – Carries away
Prajñām – Wisdom / intellect
Vāyuḥ – Wind
Nāvam – Boat
Iva – Like
Ambhasi – On the water
Message of the Shloka
When the mind follows uncontrolled senses, wisdom is lost just as a boat is swept away by strong winds.
Krishna teaches that mastering the senses is essential for maintaining clarity, peace, and spiritual progress.
