Chapter 3 Verse 6
Karm Yog
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन्। इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते।।3.6।।
karmendriyāṇi sanyamya ya āste manasā smaran indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā mithyāchāraḥ sa uchyate
Word Meanings
| karma-indriyāṇi | the organs of action |
| sanyamya | restrain |
| yaḥ | who |
| āste | remain |
| manasā | in the mind |
| smaran | to remember |
| indriya-arthān | sense objects |
| vimūḍha-ātmā | the deluded |
| mithyā-āchāraḥ | hypocrite |
| saḥ | they |
| uchyate | are called |
Translation
He who, restraining the organs of action, sits thinking of the sense-objects in his mind, he of deluded understanding is called a hypocrite.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse warns against outward renunciation that does not change the mind. If someone stops acting with their body but still clings to sense-objects in thought, they are self-deceived. True discipline includes the mind, not only the limbs or speech.
Karma-yoga teaches that action and inner intention must match. Controlling the senses while the mind remains attached only creates inner conflict and hypocrisy. Real spiritual growth comes from training thoughts and motives, so actions flow from clarity and calm.
Life Application
- Before refusing or avoiding something, notice your thoughts: if your mind still craves it, work on reducing the craving rather than only avoiding the object.
- Use short daily practices (mindful breathing, brief meditation, or noting triggers) to calm and redirect the mind away from constant sensory longing.
- Let your actions be guided by duty and clear intention, not by hidden wishes; align what you do with why you do it.
Reflection Question
Do my inner thoughts agree with my outward behavior, or do I hide desire behind restraint?