Chapter 2 Verse 61
Sānkhya Yog
तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः। वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता।।2.61।।
tāni sarvāṇi sanyamya yukta āsīta mat-paraḥ vaśhe hi yasyendriyāṇi tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā
Word Meanings
| tāni | them |
| sarvāṇi | all |
| sanyamya | subduing |
| yuktaḥ | united |
| āsīta | seated |
| mat-paraḥ | toward me (Shree Krishna) |
| vaśhe | control |
| hi | certainly |
| yasya | whose |
| indriyāṇi | senses |
| tasya | their |
| prajñā | perfect knowledge pratiṣhṭhitā |
Translation
Having restrained them all, he should sit steadfast, intent on Me; his wisdom is steady whose senses are under control.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse teaches that true wisdom comes when a person controls their senses and keeps their mind steady toward the Divine. Restraining the senses does not mean denying life; it means not being driven by every urge and distraction.
When the senses are under control, the mind becomes calm and clear. That calmness allows a person to remain focused on their deeper purpose (here expressed as turning toward God), and inner knowledge becomes firm and reliable.
In short, mastery of impulses and steady attention to what matters bring lasting clarity and right action.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting: take a breath and ask if a desire or impulse serves your deeper goals.
- Build small daily practices (short prayer, breathwork, or a moment of gratitude) to reorient your attention to your higher purpose.
- Reduce easy distractions (phone, constant snacking, impulsive shopping) so your will and judgment can stay steady.
Reflection Question
What single habit most pulls my attention away from my deeper purpose right now?