Chapter 4 Verse 26
Jñāna Karm Sanyās Yog
श्रोत्रादीनीन्द्रियाण्यन्ये संयमाग्निषु जुह्वति। शब्दादीन्विषयानन्य इन्द्रियाग्निषु जुह्वति।।4.26।।
śhrotrādīnīndriyāṇyanye sanyamāgniṣhu juhvati śhabdādīn viṣhayānanya indriyāgniṣhu juhvati
Word Meanings
| śhrotra-ādīni | such as the hearing process |
| indriyāṇi | senses |
| anye | others |
| sanyama | restraint |
| agniṣhu | in the sacrficial fire |
| juhvati | sacrifice |
| śhabda-ādīn | sound vibration, etc |
| viṣhayān | objects of sense-gratification |
| anye | others |
| indriya | of the senses |
| agniṣhu | in the fire |
| juhvati | sacrifice |
Translation
Some again offer the organ of hearing and other senses as a sacrifice in the fire of restraint; others offer sound and other objects of the senses as a sacrifice in the fire of the senses.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows two opposite ways to live. One way is to "offer" your senses into the fire of restraint — that means you learn to control hearing, sight, taste, etc., and use them with care. The other way is to offer sounds and sense-objects into the fire of the senses — meaning your senses chase and consume pleasures without control.
Spiritually, the first way purifies the mind and frees you from being driven by every desire. The second way binds you more tightly to wants and frustration, because the senses always want more. The verse invites choosing self-discipline so the senses become tools for growth, not sources of endless craving.
Life Application
- Before reacting to a message, sound, or craving, pause and ask if responding serves a deeper goal; this small restraint trains the senses.
- Build simple limits: set phone-free times, eat mindfully, or practice short periods of silence daily to let the senses rest and reset.
- Turn ordinary sense-based actions into offerings (helping someone, doing work with care) so the senses support purpose rather than just pleasure.
Reflection Question
Are your senses helping your deeper values, or are they pulling you toward short-term comfort?