Discipline — Lesson 5

Verse

Transliteration

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

Meaning

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

Key Words

• indriyāṇām — senses
• caratām — wandering
• mano'nuvidhīyate — mind following
• harati — takes away
• prajñā — clarity, understanding

Teaching

Krishna gives a clear consequence. If the senses are not managed, they pull the mind outward. When the mind keeps chasing objects, it loses stability. And when the mind is unstable, clarity is lost. The image is powerful: Like a boat pushed by strong wind, the mind is carried away without direction. Discipline is what keeps the mind steady.

Connection to Discipline

Discipline protects clarity. Without discipline, even good understanding cannot remain. The mind needs stability to hold on to knowledge. This verse shows the cost of lack of discipline.

Reflection

When my mind becomes restless, what usually triggered it? What would help me regain steadiness in that moment?