Discipline — Lesson 2

Verse

Transliteration

yatato hy api kaunteya puruṣasya vipaścitaḥ
indriyāṇi pramāthīni haranti prasabhaṁ manaḥ

Meaning

Even for a wise person who is striving, the turbulent senses can forcefully carry away the mind.

Key Words

• yatataḥ — striving, making effort
• vipaścitaḥ — a thoughtful or wise person
• indriyāṇi — senses
• pramāthīni — turbulent, agitating
• haranti — carry away
• prasabham — forcefully
• manaḥ — mind

Teaching

Krishna gives an honest warning. Discipline is necessary because the senses are powerful. Even a thoughtful person, even one who has understanding, can be pulled outward by habit, attraction, and stimulation. The senses do not always ask permission. They move quickly, and the mind follows. This is why discipline cannot be casual. It must be steady, alert, and intentional.

Connection to Discipline

Discipline begins with realism. We should not assume that understanding alone will automatically control the mind. The senses have momentum. Practice is needed to prevent the mind from being carried away. This verse explains why sādhana matters.

Reflection

In what situations do my senses pull my mind most strongly? Where do I need more alertness, not just good intention?