Chapter 2 Verse 58
Sānkhya Yog
यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः। इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.58।।
yadā sanharate chāyaṁ kūrmo ’ṅgānīva sarvaśhaḥ indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā
Word Meanings
| yadā | when |
| sanharate | withdraw |
| cha | and |
| ayam | this |
| kūrmaḥ | tortoise |
| aṅgāni | limbs |
| iva | as |
| sarvaśhaḥ | fully |
| indriyāṇi | senses |
| indriya-arthebhyaḥ | from the sense objects |
| tasya | his |
| prajñā | divine wisdom |
| pratiṣhṭhitā | fixed in |
Translation
When, like the tortoise which withdraws all its limbs on all sides, he withdraws his senses from the sense-objects, then his wisdom becomes steady.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse uses the tortoise as a picture: when the tortoise pulls in all its limbs, it is safe and still. Likewise, when a person withdraws the senses from chasing outside objects, the mind becomes calm.
This inner withdrawal does not mean avoiding life, but not letting sight, sound, taste, touch, and thought control you. With fewer distractions, clear wisdom can settle and guide action.
A steady mind sees more truly and chooses with calm rather than habit or impulse. That steadiness is the ground for right living and deeper spiritual growth.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting: take a breath and notice the urge before you follow it.
- Limit easy sources of constant stimulation (phone, news, snacks) to create quiet times.
- Practice short daily moments of inward focus (breath awareness, single-tasking, or brief silence).
Reflection Question
Which sense or habit most often pulls you away from inner calm?