Bhagavad Gita 2.67 — The Mind That Follows the Wandering Senses Carries Away Wisdom Like a Wind on a Boat
इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते।
तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि॥ २.६७॥
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The mind that follows the wandering senses carries away one's wisdom, just as a wind carries away a boat on water.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| indriyāṇām | of the senses |
| hi | indeed |
| charatām | wandering, roaming among their objects |
| yat | which |
| manaḥ | mind |
| anuvidhīyate | follows, becomes engaged with |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tat | that |
| asya | his |
| harati | carries away, takes away |
| prajñām | wisdom, discrimination |
| vāyuḥ | wind |
| nāvam | boat |
| iva | like |
| ambhasi | on water |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| indriyāṇām | of the senses | tat | that |
| hi | indeed | asya | his |
| charatām | wandering, roaming among their objects | harati | carries away, takes away |
| yat | which | prajñām | wisdom, discrimination |
| manaḥ | mind | vāyuḥ | wind |
| anuvidhīyate | follows, becomes engaged with | nāvam | boat |
| iva | like | ||
| ambhasi | on water | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse Lord Krishna gives a vivid image of how the undisciplined mind loses its wisdom. When the mind follows the wandering senses, it carries away the person's wisdom just as a strong wind carries away a boat on the water. The comparison explains how even a capable person can be thrown off course.
Essence
The wind and the boat
Lord Krishna says indriyāṇām hi caratām yan mano 'nuvidhīyate tad asya harati prajñām vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi. The mind that follows the roving senses carries away one's wisdom, as the wind carries away a boat on the water.
Indriyāṇām caratām (of the wandering senses): The senses move toward their objects like restless animals. They are naturally outgoing and are drawn to whatever attracts them.
Yan mano 'nuvidhīyate (the mind that follows): The danger arises when the mind submits to the senses and goes along wherever they lead. A mind that follows the senses has abandoned its role as guide.
Harati prajñām (carries away wisdom): The result is that understanding is swept away. All the learning, insight, and good resolutions that a person has gathered can be lost in a moment of being carried off.
The meaning of the image
Consider the boat on the water. It may be well built, with a skilled helmsman and a clear destination. But if a strong wind blows and the helmsman does not control the sails and rudder, the boat will be driven off course, perhaps onto rocks. The boat represents the person's wisdom, the water is the world of experience, and the wind is the force of the senses, with the mind as the helmsman.
Notice that the image does not condemn the wind or the water. They are part of nature. The point is that the mind must hold the helm. When it does, even strong winds can be used to make progress. A skilled sailor uses the wind to travel. It is only when control is lost that the wind becomes destructive.
A single sense can be enough
The verse reminds us that it takes only one wandering sense, if the mind follows it, to carry away wisdom. This is why Krishna earlier emphasised restraint of all the senses. A single area of lack of control can undermine an otherwise disciplined life.
Message for Everyday Life (Keeping a Hand on the Helm)
The winds of modern life are strong: constant stimulation, persuasive advertising, social media, and endless distractions.
Stay at the helm: Make conscious choices about what you pay attention to, rather than being drawn along automatically.
Know your vulnerable point: Identify the area in which you most easily lose control and put extra safeguards there.
The wind and the boat
Lord Krishna says indriyāṇām hi caratām yan mano 'nuvidhīyate tad asya harati prajñām vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi. The mind that follows the roving senses carries away one's wisdom, as the wind carries away a boat on the water.
Indriyāṇām caratām (of the wandering senses): The senses move toward their objects like restless animals. They are naturally outgoing and are drawn to whatever attracts them.
Yan mano 'nuvidhīyate (the mind that follows): The danger arises when the mind submits to the senses and goes along wherever they lead. A mind that follows the senses has abandoned its role as guide.
Harati prajñām (carries away wisdom): The result is that understanding is swept away. All the learning, insight, and good resolutions that a person has gathered can be lost in a moment of being carried off.
The meaning of the image
Consider the boat on the water. It may be well built, with a skilled helmsman and a clear destination. But if a strong wind blows and the helmsman does not control the sails and rudder, the boat will be driven off course, perhaps onto rocks. The boat represents the person's wisdom, the water is the world of experience, and the wind is the force of the senses, with the mind as the helmsman.
Notice that the image does not condemn the wind or the water. They are part of nature. The point is that the mind must hold the helm. When it does, even strong winds can be used to make progress. A skilled sailor uses the wind to travel. It is only when control is lost that the wind becomes destructive.
A single sense can be enough
The verse reminds us that it takes only one wandering sense, if the mind follows it, to carry away wisdom. This is why Krishna earlier emphasised restraint of all the senses. A single area of lack of control can undermine an otherwise disciplined life.
Message for Everyday Life (Keeping a Hand on the Helm)
The winds of modern life are strong: constant stimulation, persuasive advertising, social media, and endless distractions.
Stay at the helm: Make conscious choices about what you pay attention to, rather than being drawn along automatically.
Know your vulnerable point: Identify the area in which you most easily lose control and put extra safeguards there.
Next Topic
Krishna has compared the mind that follows the senses to a boat driven by the wind. He now draws the conclusion from all He has said about the senses. In the next verse He declares that the one whose senses are completely restrained from their objects has wisdom firmly established.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
A mind without a rudder goes wherever the wind goes.
Unchecked senses are wind with no harbor.
Steer, or be steered.
A strong purpose holds the boat steady.
What captures your attention captures your life.
Wisdom is easily lost, easily kept with care.
Small drifts become big detours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the analogy in this verse?
What does 'charatām indriyāṇām' (wandering senses) mean?
What does 'anuvidhīyate' (follows) imply?
Does this mean even one sense is enough to cause harm?
How can one prevent this?
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