Clarity — Lesson 20

Verse

Transliteration

indriyāṇāṁ hi caratāṁ yan mano'nuvidhīyate
tad asya harati prajñāṁ vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi

Meaning

When the mind follows the wandering senses, it takes away one’s clarity, just as the wind carries away a boat on water.

Sandhi-vigraha

Anvaya

Key Words

• indriyāṇām — of the senses
• caratām — wandering
• mano — mind
• anuvidhīyate — follows
• harati — carries away
• prajñām — clarity, understanding
• vāyuḥ — wind
• nāvam — boat
• ambhasi — on water

Teaching

Krishna gives a powerful image. When the senses go outward, and the mind simply follows them, clarity is lost. The person becomes reactive, pulled in different directions. Like a boat without control, pushed by strong winds, the mind loses direction. Without mastery, knowledge does not stay firm.

Connection to Clarity

Clarity requires inner order. If the mind keeps chasing sense objects, it cannot remain steady. Stability comes when the mind leads, not when it follows impulses. This verse shows the importance of inner discipline to protect clarity.

Reflection

In my daily life, does my mind lead my actions, or do my senses pull my mind? Where do I lose direction?