Bhagavad Gita 2.60

Sanskrit

यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः । इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः ॥2.60॥

Transliteration

yatato hyapi kaunteya puruṣasya vipaścitaḥ | indriyāṇi pramāthīni haranti prasabhaṃ manaḥ ‖2.60‖

Meaning

“The turbulent senses, O son of Kunti, carry away by force the mind even of a wise person who strives.”

Key learning

Right after describing self-mastery, the Gita gives a blunt warning: the senses are powerful and pushy, and they can drag away the mind of even a wise person who is genuinely trying. Knowing better doesn't make you immune; smart, accomplished people still fall. Respecting how strong temptation is keeps you safe, because underestimating it is exactly how the wise get caught. Staying alert isn't just for beginners; it's a lifelong cost.

How to apply this today

Build systems that assume you'll sometimes be weak, because sometimes you will be. Think of capable people who got wrecked by one bad slip, and let that fund your humility. Don't rely on willpower you might not have at 11pm; remove the trigger at 11am instead, by deleting the app, not buying the bottle, or changing your route. Keep honest accountability going even during good stretches, since especially when you feel beyond needing it is when you need it. Respect the current; swim with ropes.

Theme: The Yoga of Knowledge

This verse is part of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2: Sankhya Yoga , read all verses in this chapter.

Read the full Bhagavad Gita

Teachmysoul gives you all 700 Gita verses with Sanskrit, plain-English meaning, a key learning and a practical application for daily life, a calm two-minute habit on web, iOS and Android.