Chapter 3 Verse 40
Karm Yog
इन्द्रियाणि मनो बुद्धिरस्याधिष्ठानमुच्यते। एतैर्विमोहयत्येष ज्ञानमावृत्य देहिनम्।।3.40।।
indriyāṇi mano buddhir asyādhiṣhṭhānam uchyate etair vimohayatyeṣha jñānam āvṛitya dehinam
Word Meanings
| indriyāṇi | the senses |
| manaḥ | the mind |
| buddhiḥ | the intellect |
| asya | of this |
| adhiṣhṭhānam | dwelling place |
| uchyate | are said to be |
| etaiḥ | by these |
| vimohayati | deludes |
| eṣhaḥ | this |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| āvṛitya | clouds |
| dehinam | the embodied soul |
Translation
The senses, the mind, and the intellect are said to be its seat; through these, it deludes the embodied one, veiling their wisdom.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says the self lives in the senses, mind, and intellect. These are not separate enemies; they are the place where we experience the world.
Because we rely on these instruments without care, they can mislead us. Sensory pull, restless thoughts, and a biased intellect can cover up our deeper knowing and lead to confusion.
The teaching is practical: don’t reject the senses or mind, but learn to steady and purify them. When they are calm and clear, they reveal truth instead of hiding it.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting to strong sensations or emotions—take a breath and ask what is needed, not just what is wanted.
- Build a short daily practice (mindful breathing, silent reflection, or simple journaling) to notice patterns that cloud clear judgment.
- Use your intellect to test assumptions: question quick stories you tell yourself and choose actions that reflect inner values.
Reflection Question
Which sense or thought most often hides my clear judgement?