Bhagavad Gita 5.9 — The Senses Alone Function Among Their Objects
प्रलपन्विसृजन्गृह्णन्नुन्मिषन्निमिषन्नपि ।
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेषु वर्तन्त इति धारयन् ॥ ५.९ ॥
Even while speaking, releasing, accepting, opening and closing the eyes, the knower of truth understands that it is merely the senses functioning among their respective objects. Therefore, he remains free from the egoistic notion of being the doer.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| pralapan | while speaking |
| visṛjan | while releasing, letting go |
| gṛhṇan | while accepting, taking |
| unmiṣan | while opening the eyes |
| nimiṣan | while closing the eyes |
| api | even |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| indriyāṇi | the senses |
| indriyārtheṣu | among their respective sense objects |
| vartante | are functioning |
| iti | thus |
| dhārayan | understanding, realizing |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| pralapan | while speaking | indriyāṇi | the senses |
| visṛjan | while releasing, letting go | indriyārtheṣu | among their respective sense objects |
| gṛhṇan | while accepting, taking | vartante | are functioning |
| unmiṣan | while opening the eyes | iti | thus |
| nimiṣan | while closing the eyes | dhārayan | understanding, realizing |
| api | even | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna further develops the teaching of witness-consciousness. He explains how the wise remain free from the sense of doership even while carrying out the ordinary activities of daily life.
Essence
The science of the senses
Together with the previous verse, this teaching reveals the art of acting without ego. Lord Krishna explains how a realized person views every activity from the perspective of Truth.
Indriyāṇīndriyārtheṣu vartante: The eyes perform the function of seeing, the ears of hearing, the tongue of tasting, and the hands and feet carry out their respective activities. All these functions operate according to the laws of Nature.
The vision of the wise: An ordinary person identifies with every action, saying, 'I speak,' 'I act,' or 'I achieve.' A realized person understands that these are simply interactions between the senses and their objects. The true identity lies beyond these activities—it is the witnessing Self.
The state of the witness: The wise remain established in the awareness that silently observes every thought, emotion, and action without becoming affected by them. They participate fully in life without becoming entangled in it.
Message for our lives
This verse teaches us how to develop a healthy inner distance from our thoughts, emotions, and reactions.
The value of inner observation: When we completely identify with anger, fear, or sadness, those emotions overpower us. But when we observe them with the attitude of a witness, their grip gradually weakens.
The beginning of self-mastery: The moment we start observing the activities of the mind and senses instead of blindly following them, we begin to regain mastery over our lives. This is the first step toward true inner freedom.
Next Topic
Once a seeker no longer identifies as the doer of actions, worldly activities lose their power to create bondage. In the next verse, Lord Krishna beautifully illustrates this truth through the example of the lotus leaf.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Observe the action without becoming the action.
Distance from ego creates space for peace.
The witness sees clearly because it is not entangled.
Not everything that happens through you belongs to you.
Life becomes lighter when ownership becomes smaller.
Understanding the observer changes the experience of the observed.
The Self shines beyond the movements of body and mind.