(Image Courtesy Mahanidhiswami)
If We Can Bring the Senses Under Control We Can Raise Above Desires
तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ |
पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम् || 3.41||
tasmāt tvam indriyāṇyādau niyamya bharatarṣhabha
pāpmānaṁ prajahi hyenaṁ jñāna-vijñāna-nāśhanam|| 3.41||
Shloka Translation
BG – Ch. 3- Ver. 41:
As a result, O greatest of the Bharatas, bring the senses under control and defeat this enemy known as desire, which is the embodiment of sin and destroys knowledge and realisation, right from the start.
Explanation
He tells Arjuna that he should first learn to control his desire at the level of the senses. Desires emerge from the senses’ likes and dislikes, therefore that’s where we should look for them. This necessitates our being continually aware of and alert to our likes and dislikes, and not allowing them to overwhelm us once they appear. Shri Krishna further says that desire destroys not only knowledge, but also wisdom.
If we consider ourselves to be the soul, and our sole mission is to bring satisfaction to the soul, it becomes simpler to give up material aspirations. Shree Krishna instructs Arjuna to control his senses, thereby conquering the passion that is inside them. To do so, we must employ the higher instruments bestowed upon us by God.
Regulation, not frustration, is what control is all about. It is accomplished by progressing to a higher level of desire. You can’t let go of your desire. Only a more meaningful passion can be pursued. The lower will no longer tempt you once you’ve progressed to something better. As a result, you never feel the pangs of denial.
Verse & what we can learn
Controlling senses is the way to defeat 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 a 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 the 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 the 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 what is superior to senses.
Let’s learn to live with “The Gita” via Meditation Affinity…