(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)

Eternal Essence is Higher Than Body, Mind and Intellect

इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्य: परं मन: |
मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धे: परतस्तु स: || 3.42||

indriyāṇi parāṇyāhur indriyebhyaḥ paraṁ manaḥ
manasas tu parā buddhir yo buddheḥ paratas tu saḥ|| 42||

Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 3- Ver. 42:

The mind is superior to the senses, and the senses are superior to the body. The intellect exists beyond the mind, and the soul exists even further beyond the intellect.

Explanation

Shri Krishna provided us with the ultimate objective of the Gita, which is to realize that we are the everlasting essence, and that we are distinct from our prakriti, which consists of the body, mind, and intellect, in this Shloka. So he goes on to say in this shloka that these three aspects of our prakriti are not equally powerful – there is a hierarchy or order to their potency. The more powerful a component is, the more subtle it is.

The physical body is the most visible, or gross, manifestation of prakriti. The senses are more subtle than the body. The mind, which generates reactions in the form of emotions and thoughts but lacks decision-making power, is less powerful than the senses. The intellect, which is smaller than the mind and has the ability to regulate the mind, senses, and body, can examine and interpret the thoughts formed by the mind. And here’s the thing: if we take control of one element of prakriti, we instantly take control of all the lower levels as well.

This Shloka encourages us to recognize that there is something even more powerful than the mind, something that has the ability to root our desires that have pierced the intellect. That something is a higher ideal in the early phases of our trip. However, as we go along our path, it is the highest ideal: the eternal essence itself.

Verse & what we can learn

It is possible for a superior entity to control an inferior entity. Knowing the order of supremacy among the senses, mind, intellect, and soul might be helpful in wiping out desires.

What are the five working senses? How are the senses regarded in the Bhagavad Gita? All these doubts are cleared by Shri Krishna. Controlling the senses Bhagavad Gita gives us an clear idea about this, how to control senses, is a question that every sadhaka has Bhagavad Gita on senses, how to have control over them and use them to attain higher consciousness gives us elaborate knowledge.

To regulate the desires and have wisdom to make the right choices in life that will lead to material and spiritual progress one needs to have a balanced state of mind. Teachings of Krishna give right direction to life and Daily practice of meditation helps us by giving us the inner strength to follow the path that Krishna has shown us.
There are various types of meditation like Buddhist meditation, heartfulness meditation, mindfulness meditation, meditation for stress, and each meditation benefits are countless. There are also numerous meditation techniques for beginners which help in practicing daily meditation so go ahead and start your journey towards a peaceful and balanced life.

In the Next verse, Shri Krishna tells Arjuna about soul…

Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…