Chapter 2 Verse 60
Sānkhya Yog
यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः। इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः।।2.60।।
yatato hyapi kaunteya puruṣhasya vipaśhchitaḥ indriyāṇi pramāthīni haranti prasabhaṁ manaḥ
Word Meanings
| yatataḥ | while practicing self-control |
| hi | for |
| api | even |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| puruṣhasya | of a person |
| vipaśhchitaḥ | one endowed with discrimination |
| indriyāṇi | the senses |
| pramāthīni | turbulent |
| haranti | carry away |
| prasabham | forcibly |
| manaḥ | the mind |
Translation
The turbulent senses, O Arjuna, can violently carry away the mind of a wise person, even though they are striving to control them.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Even a wise person who tries hard to control their senses can be pulled away. The senses are powerful and restless; they can drag the mind toward pleasure or fear without warning.
This verse teaches that self-control is not a one-time achievement. It is a steady effort and needs ongoing watchfulness, because the mind follows the strongest influence — often the senses.
Real wisdom includes humility about this weakness and a readiness to return to calm awareness when the mind is swept away.
Life Application
- Practice a simple pause: when an urge arises, take three deep breaths before acting to break the immediate pull of the senses.
- Reduce obvious triggers (phone, junk food, noisy places) and build small routines (short meditation, prayer, or a walk) to strengthen steady attention.
- Use reminders and accountability (notes, a friend, or regular check-ins) to keep your intention present when the senses are strong.
Reflection Question
What small, specific step can you take today to prevent your senses from carrying your mind away?