यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः ।
इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः ॥
इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः ॥
Hindi · हिन्दी
हे कुन्तीनन्दन रसबुद्धि रहनेसे यत्न करते हुए विद्वान् मनुष्यकी भी प्रमथनशील इन्द्रियाँ उसके मनको बलपूर्वक हर लेती हैं ॥
English
Even for a wise person who strives, the turbulent senses can forcibly carry away the mind.
What this verse means
Even a thoughtful person who is trying hard can lose control when the senses become restless and drag the mind away.
Context & commentary
On the battlefield, Arjuna has begun learning self-mastery from Krishna. After warning that desire remains even when objects are withdrawn, Krishna adds the harder truth: even a wise person can be overpowered by restless senses. The mind needs disciplined protection, not confidence alone.
Why this verse still matters
You delete the app, silence the phone, and still reach for it. The urge returns from inside, and it can pull even a careful mind off course.
The takeaway
Willpower alone is not enough; the senses need training too.
Word-by-word translation
यततः (for one striving) / हि (indeed) / अपि (even) / कौन्तेय (O son of Kunti) / पुरुषस्य (of a person) / विपश्चितः (of the wise) / इन्द्रियाणि (the senses) / प्रमाथीनि (restless, turbulent) / हरन्ति (carry away) / प्रसभं (forcibly) / मनः (the mind)
This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga — The Yoga of Knowledge, which contains 72 verses.
Explore related themes: manas (49 verses), indriya (19 verses), self mastery (16 verses)