Chapter 2, Verse 67
इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते | तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि ॥67॥
indriyāṇāṁ hi caratāṁ yan mano 'nuvidhīyate |
tad asya harati prajñāṁ vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi ||
"For, the mind which follows in the wake of the wandering senses, that (mind) carries away his wisdom like the wind (diverting) a boat on the waters."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.67 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 2.67 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna uses a powerful nautical metaphor to describe the volatility of the human intellect. Just as a strong gale can blow a boat off its intended course on a choppy sea, even a single sense, if the mind dwells upon it, can hijack the discrimination (prajñā) of an individual. The senses are naturally 'caratām' (wandering/roaming) among objects. When the mind 'anuvidhīyate' (submits or follows) these senses, the internal 'prajñā' or spiritual wisdom is swept away, leading the seeker away from their goal of self-realization.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 2.67?
For, the mind which follows in the wake of the wandering senses, that (mind) carries away his wisdom like the wind (diverting) a boat on the waters.