Bhagavad Gita 2.61 — Restrain the Senses and Be Devoted to Me: Wisdom Becomes Firmly Established
तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः।
वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता॥ २.६१॥
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Having restrained all of them, one should remain steadfast in yoga, devoted to Me. For one whose senses are under control, wisdom is firmly established.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tāni | them, those (senses) |
| sarvāṇi | all |
| saṁyamya | having restrained, having controlled |
| yuktaḥ | steadfast in yoga, united in mind |
| āsīta | should sit, should remain |
| matparaḥ | devoted to Me, regarding Me as the highest goal |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vaśhe | under control |
| hi | indeed |
| yasya | whose |
| indriyāṇi | senses |
| tasya | his |
| prajñā | wisdom |
| pratiṣhṭhitā | firmly established |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tāni | them, those (senses) | vaśhe | under control |
| sarvāṇi | all | hi | indeed |
| saṁyamya | having restrained, having controlled | yasya | whose |
| yuktaḥ | steadfast in yoga, united in mind | indriyāṇi | senses |
| āsīta | should sit, should remain | tasya | his |
| matparaḥ | devoted to Me, regarding Me as the highest goal | prajñā | wisdom |
| pratiṣhṭhitā | firmly established | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse Lord Krishna answers the problem He raised in the previous verse, the overpowering force of the senses. The remedy has two parts: restraining the senses and fixing the mind on the Lord. One who has the senses under control has wisdom firmly established. The verse introduces devotion as a support for self-discipline.
Essence
Restraint with a refuge
Lord Krishna says tāni sarvāṇi saṃyamya yukta āsīta mat-paraḥ. 'Having restrained all of them, one should sit steadfast, intent on Me.' The word saṃyamya means bringing the senses into proper order and control. The word yukta suggests being disciplined and united, steady in mind.
Sarvāṇi (all of them): Control must cover all the senses, not just one or two. A single uncontrolled sense can undo the discipline of the rest, like one open window in a house in a storm.
Āsīta (should sit, remain): The verb suggests a settled, steady posture of mind and body, not restless movement. The seeker takes a firm seat within.
Mat-paraḥ: intent on Me
This is the heart of the verse. Krishna does not simply say 'control your senses.' He says to be mat-paraḥ, having Me as the supreme goal. Restraint alone is difficult, and in verse 59 we saw that suppression leaves the inner taste behind. What makes the discipline sustainable is a higher object of love and attention. When the mind has something more attractive to rest in, the senses lose their pull more easily.
The Gita here begins to weave together self-discipline and devotion. The mind needs a positive direction as well as a negative restraint. Whether a person understands this focus as the Lord, the Self, or the highest ideal, the principle is that the mind must be given a worthy anchor.
Vaśe hi yasyendriyāṇi tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā: The verse ends with the familiar refrain: the person whose senses are under control has wisdom firmly established. The word vaśa means control or command. The senses become obedient servants rather than tyrants.
Message for Everyday Life (Discipline Needs a Direction)
Self-control driven only by prohibition tends to be brittle. We do better when our restraint serves something we deeply value.
Anchor your discipline in a purpose: Ask what meaningful aim your self-control serves, and keep it in view.
Choose what to give your attention to: A mind absorbed in something worthwhile has less room for destructive impulses.
Restraint with a refuge
Lord Krishna says tāni sarvāṇi saṃyamya yukta āsīta mat-paraḥ. 'Having restrained all of them, one should sit steadfast, intent on Me.' The word saṃyamya means bringing the senses into proper order and control. The word yukta suggests being disciplined and united, steady in mind.
Sarvāṇi (all of them): Control must cover all the senses, not just one or two. A single uncontrolled sense can undo the discipline of the rest, like one open window in a house in a storm.
Āsīta (should sit, remain): The verb suggests a settled, steady posture of mind and body, not restless movement. The seeker takes a firm seat within.
Mat-paraḥ: intent on Me
This is the heart of the verse. Krishna does not simply say 'control your senses.' He says to be mat-paraḥ, having Me as the supreme goal. Restraint alone is difficult, and in verse 59 we saw that suppression leaves the inner taste behind. What makes the discipline sustainable is a higher object of love and attention. When the mind has something more attractive to rest in, the senses lose their pull more easily.
The Gita here begins to weave together self-discipline and devotion. The mind needs a positive direction as well as a negative restraint. Whether a person understands this focus as the Lord, the Self, or the highest ideal, the principle is that the mind must be given a worthy anchor.
Vaśe hi yasyendriyāṇi tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā: The verse ends with the familiar refrain: the person whose senses are under control has wisdom firmly established. The word vaśa means control or command. The senses become obedient servants rather than tyrants.
Message for Everyday Life (Discipline Needs a Direction)
Self-control driven only by prohibition tends to be brittle. We do better when our restraint serves something we deeply value.
Anchor your discipline in a purpose: Ask what meaningful aim your self-control serves, and keep it in view.
Choose what to give your attention to: A mind absorbed in something worthwhile has less room for destructive impulses.
Next Topic
Krishna has said that the wise person restrains the senses and fixes the mind on Him. But what happens to someone who does not? In the next two verses He gives one of the most famous analyses of the mind in all of world literature, tracing the steps by which brooding on sense objects leads from attachment all the way to complete ruin.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Master the senses, and they will serve you.
A higher love makes lower pulls weaker.
Aim your life at something worthy.
Restraint is easier when it has a reason.
Wisdom lives where the senses obey.
Sit steady; the storm passes.
Support from the Divine multiplies your effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'saṁyamya' (having restrained) mean?
What does 'matpara' (devoted to Me) mean?
What does 'yukta' (steadfast in yoga) mean here?
Why does Krishna mention devotion here?
What is the result of controlling the senses?
Explore related topics
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