Bhagavad Gita 2.68 — Therefore, One Whose Senses Are Fully Restrained Has Firm Wisdom
तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः।
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता॥ २.६८॥
🔊 Listen to meaning of this shloka
Current voice: —
Ready
Text-to-speech is not supported by this browser.
Therefore, O mighty-armed one, the person whose senses are completely restrained from their objects has wisdom that 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 |
| tasmāt | therefore |
| yasya | whose |
| mahābāho | O mighty-armed one (Arjuna) |
| nigṛihītāni | restrained, held back |
| sarvaśhaḥ | completely, in every way |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| indriyāṇi | the senses |
| indriyārthebhyaḥ | from the sense objects |
| tasya | his |
| prajñā | wisdom |
| pratiṣhṭhitā | firmly established |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| tasmāt | therefore | indriyāṇi | the senses |
| yasya | whose | indriyārthebhyaḥ | from the sense objects |
| mahābāho | O mighty-armed one (Arjuna) | tasya | his |
| nigṛihītāni | restrained, held back | prajñā | wisdom |
| sarvaśhaḥ | completely, in every way | pratiṣhṭhitā | firmly established |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse Lord Krishna gathers together the discussion on sense control into a clear conclusion. The person whose senses are fully restrained from their objects has wisdom firmly established. It is a short verse, but it works as a summary and a bridge to the beautiful verses that follow.
Essence
Therefore: the conclusion
Lord Krishna begins with tasmāt, 'therefore.' He has described the dangers of the unrestrained senses and the destruction they cause, and He has described the peace that follows from discipline. Now He draws the logical conclusion.
Mahābāho (mighty-armed): Krishna addresses Arjuna by the name that recalls his strength. There is a subtle message here. Real strength is not only physical power on the battlefield. The greatest strength is the ability to master oneself.
Nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ (completely restrained on all sides): The word nigṛhīta means held in or restrained. The senses are held back from all their objects, completely and consistently. This echoes the image of the tortoise in verse 58.
Tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā: Once again we hear the refrain. The wisdom of such a person is firmly established. This phrase has appeared in verses 57, 58, and 61. The repetition serves as a rhythmic reminder of the central point: steadiness of wisdom depends on mastery of the senses.
What restraint does and does not mean
As in earlier verses, it is important not to misinterpret this as harsh self-denial or rejection of the world. Restraint here means bringing the senses under the guidance of understanding so that they serve the person's real goals. A well-trained horse is not a broken horse. It is a strong animal that responds to its rider and can therefore carry him to his destination.
The person who has such control experiences greater freedom, not less. Instead of being at the mercy of every impulse, they can choose how to respond. This is a form of freedom that those who follow every whim never taste.
Message for Everyday Life (Strength Is Self-Mastery)
Our culture often equates freedom with doing whatever we want. Krishna presents a deeper idea of freedom.
Practise small acts of self-mastery: Choosing to wait, to listen, or to refrain from a habitual reaction builds the muscle of self-control.
Measure strength by restraint: A person who can remain calm under provocation is stronger than one who reacts immediately.
Therefore: the conclusion
Lord Krishna begins with tasmāt, 'therefore.' He has described the dangers of the unrestrained senses and the destruction they cause, and He has described the peace that follows from discipline. Now He draws the logical conclusion.
Mahābāho (mighty-armed): Krishna addresses Arjuna by the name that recalls his strength. There is a subtle message here. Real strength is not only physical power on the battlefield. The greatest strength is the ability to master oneself.
Nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ (completely restrained on all sides): The word nigṛhīta means held in or restrained. The senses are held back from all their objects, completely and consistently. This echoes the image of the tortoise in verse 58.
Tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā: Once again we hear the refrain. The wisdom of such a person is firmly established. This phrase has appeared in verses 57, 58, and 61. The repetition serves as a rhythmic reminder of the central point: steadiness of wisdom depends on mastery of the senses.
What restraint does and does not mean
As in earlier verses, it is important not to misinterpret this as harsh self-denial or rejection of the world. Restraint here means bringing the senses under the guidance of understanding so that they serve the person's real goals. A well-trained horse is not a broken horse. It is a strong animal that responds to its rider and can therefore carry him to his destination.
The person who has such control experiences greater freedom, not less. Instead of being at the mercy of every impulse, they can choose how to respond. This is a form of freedom that those who follow every whim never taste.
Message for Everyday Life (Strength Is Self-Mastery)
Our culture often equates freedom with doing whatever we want. Krishna presents a deeper idea of freedom.
Practise small acts of self-mastery: Choosing to wait, to listen, or to refrain from a habitual reaction builds the muscle of self-control.
Measure strength by restraint: A person who can remain calm under provocation is stronger than one who reacts immediately.
Next Topic
Krishna has concluded that wisdom is steady in one who has the senses fully restrained. He now draws an extraordinary contrast between the wise person and the ordinary world. In the next verse He says that what is night for all beings is wakefulness for the disciplined, and what is wakefulness for beings is night for the sage who sees.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Rule the senses and your wisdom rules you.
Discipline today is freedom tomorrow.
A restrained mind stands firm in a changing world.
Control starts within.
Wise people practice restraint daily.
A strong arm is nothing against a weak mind.
All roads lead back to self-mastery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Krishna say 'tasmāt' (therefore)?
What does 'nigṛihīta' (restrained) mean?
What does 'sarvaśhaḥ' (completely) imply?
Why is Arjuna addressed as 'Mahābāho' (mighty-armed)?
How does this verse relate to verse 2.58?
Explore related topics
More shlokas on the themes this verse touches: