Discipline — Lesson 6

Verses

Transliteration

karmendriyāṇi saṁyamya ya āste manasā smaran
indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā mithyācāraḥ sa ucyate

yas tv indriyāṇi manasā niyamyārabhate arjuna
karmendriyaiḥ karma-yogam asaktaḥ sa viśiṣyate

Meaning

One who restrains the organs of action outwardly, but continues to dwell on sense objects mentally, is confused and not aligned. But one who controls the senses with the mind, and performs action without attachment, is superior.

Key Words

• saṁyamya — restraining
• manasā smaran — mentally dwelling
• mithyācāraḥ — false discipline
• niyamya — regulating properly
• asaktaḥ — without attachment

Teaching

Krishna points out a subtle mistake. Discipline is not just external control. One may appear controlled outwardly, but inwardly still be fully engaged in desires. This creates inner conflict. True discipline is internal. The mind must be aligned, not just the actions. When the mind is steady, action becomes naturally disciplined.

Connection to Discipline

Discipline is not about appearance. It is about alignment. When thoughts and actions are aligned, there is clarity. When they are not, there is tension. This verse shows that sādhana must include inner work.

Reflection

Is my discipline only external, or is my mind also aligned? Where do I notice inner conflict between what I do and what I think?