Chapter 3 Verse 42
Karm Yog
इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः। मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः।।3.42।।
indriyāṇi parāṇyāhur indriyebhyaḥ paraṁ manaḥ manasas tu parā buddhir yo buddheḥ paratas tu saḥ
Word Meanings
| indriyāṇi | senses |
| parāṇi | superior |
| āhuḥ | are said |
| indriyebhyaḥ | than the senses |
| param | superior |
| manaḥ | the mind |
| manasaḥ | than the mind |
| tu | but |
| parā | superior |
| buddhiḥ | intellect |
| yaḥ | who |
| buddheḥ | than the intellect |
| parataḥ | more superior |
| tu | but |
| saḥ | that (soul) |
Translation
They say that the senses are superior to the body; the mind is superior to the senses; the intellect is superior to the mind; and He (the Self) is superior even to the intellect.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows a simple inner order: the body supports the senses, the senses feed the mind, the mind is guided by the intellect, and above all stands the Self — the true witness. Each level is more subtle and closer to who you really are.
It teaches that real control and freedom come from moving attention upward. If you only follow senses or emotions, you stay reactive. If you bring in clear thinking and the sense of a calm inner witness, you act more wisely.
The aim is not to reject the body or feelings, but to use the mind and intellect to choose actions aligned with your deeper self. That alignment brings steadiness and meaning in daily life.
Life Application
- Before acting, pause and take one breath to notice whether your response comes from a sense impulse, an emotion, or clear thought.
- Ask a simple question when tempted: “Is this helpful or harmful?” Let your intellect decide, not only your mood.
- Spend 5 minutes daily sitting quietly and observing thoughts as a witness — this trains you to act from a steadier inner place.
Reflection Question
Which level (senses, mind, intellect, or inner witness) usually decides how you behave?