Chapter 2 – Sankhya Yoga
Verse 68
Sanskrit Verse
tasmād yasya mahā-bāho nigṛihītāni sarvaśhaḥ
indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā
Simple Meaning
O mighty-armed Arjuna!
One whose senses are completely restrained from their objects has steady wisdom and firmly established intelligence.
Detailed Explanation
Control Over the Senses
Krishna explains that the senses are naturally attracted toward worldly pleasures and objects.
If they are left uncontrolled, they can disturb the mind and weaken judgment.
But a person who controls the senses remains stable and wise.
Freedom from Sense Attachments
“Indriyārthebhyaḥ” refers to sense objects such as sound, touch, form, taste, and smell.
A wise person does not become overly attached to these temporary pleasures.
Instead, they remain balanced and self-controlled.
Steady Wisdom
Krishna teaches that when the senses are disciplined, the mind becomes peaceful and the intellect becomes steady.
Such a person can think clearly, make wise decisions, and remain unaffected by distractions.
Real Strength is Self-Mastery
Krishna addresses Arjuna as “Mahā-bāho” (mighty-armed) to remind him that true strength is not merely physical power.
Real greatness comes from conquering the mind and senses.
Path to Inner Stability
Self-control leads to inner peace, focus, and spiritual awareness.
A disciplined person is not easily disturbed by desires, temptations, or emotional reactions.
This creates a stable foundation for both worldly success and spiritual growth.
Key Points
- Sense control is essential for wisdom
- Attachment to pleasures disturbs the mind
- Self-discipline brings mental stability
- A controlled mind leads to clear judgment
- Inner mastery is true strength
Profound Spiritual Meaning
This verse teaches that spiritual growth begins with mastery over the senses.
When a person rises above constant attraction toward worldly objects, the intellect becomes stable and pure.
Krishna emphasizes that self-control is the foundation of peace, wisdom, and higher consciousness.
The deeper truth is: A person who controls the senses gains control over life itself.
Word-by-Word Meaning
Tasmāt – Therefore
Yasya – Whose
Mahā-bāho – O mighty-armed one
Nigṛihītāni – Restrained / controlled
Sarvaśhaḥ – Completely
Indriyāṇi – Senses
Indriyārthebhyaḥ – From sense objects
Tasya – His
Prajñā – Wisdom / intellect
Pratiṣhṭhitā – Firmly established
Message of the Shloka
A person who keeps the senses fully controlled and detached from worldly temptations develops steady wisdom and inner stability.
Krishna teaches that self-mastery and discipline are the true paths to peace, clarity, and spiritual realization.
