इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते। तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि
Krishna uses the example of the wind carrying away a boat upon the waters. He explains that just as a strong wind can sweep a boat off its course, the mind that is attached to roaming senses can lose its steady judgement.
Repeated comparison or replaying an upsetting message can intensify a reaction. Give yourself a pause before responding, and choose a boundary or action you can explain calmly.
Go deeper into this verse
How does the mind's attachment to a particular sense draw away a person's discrimination according to the verse?
When the mind becomes joined with a specific sense as it interacts with sense-objects, it becomes overwhelmed by that engagement. This intense focus causes the mind to lose clarity and discernment, leading the person away from wise understanding and self-control.
Why does Krishna compare the mind's loss of discrimination to a boat being carried by wind?
Krishna uses this comparison to show how easily and quickly the mind can be led astray when it follows the senses without restraint. Just as the wind can unpredictably divert a boat from its path, the unregulated senses can disrupt a person's wisdom, making it difficult to remain steady and focused.
What is the significance of the phrase 'the one to which the mind is joined' in this teaching?
This phrase highlights that it is not all the senses together, but even just one sense, when the mind attaches to it, that can disturb a person's wisdom. It teaches that even a single distraction, if allowed to dominate the mind, can be enough to sway one's judgement and inner stability.
How can one avoid having their wisdom 'carried away' by the senses, as described in this verse?
To avoid being carried away, one should practice mindfulness and control over the senses. This involves observing the senses without letting the mind become attached, cultivating self-discipline, and returning the mind to focus whenever it wanders. Through regular practice and awareness, one can maintain discrimination and inner peace even amidst sensory experiences.
Such of the roving senses as the mind yieldeth to, that hurries away the understanding, just as the gale hurries away a ship upon the waters.