yadā sanharate chāyaṁ kūrmo ’ṅgānīva sarvaśhaḥ
indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā
yadā — when;
sanharate — withdraw;
cha — and;
ayam — this;
kūrmaḥ — tortoise;
aṅgāni — limbs;
iva — as;
sarvaśhaḥ — fully;
indriyāṇi — senses;
indriya-arthebhyaḥ — from the sense objects;
tasya — his;
prajñā — divine wisdom;
pratiṣhṭhitā — fixed in
This verse compares a wise person to a tortoise that can pull in its limbs or senses whenever it feels threatened. Basically, it means that people who are wise and spiritually aware can control their senses instead of letting their senses control them.
Think of it this way: many people live their lives driven by what they see, hear, taste, touch, and smell. They often chase after pleasurable experiences without thinking much about the consequences. For example, someone might eat junk food because it tastes good, even if it’s not healthy for them. In this case, the person is letting their sense of taste dictate their behavior.
On the other hand, a yogi or someone on a spiritual path learns to manage their senses. They know when to indulge and when to hold back. This kind of control is crucial for personal growth and spiritual practice. It’s like a snake charmer who knows how to handle a snake, which can be dangerous and unpredictable. The yogi must have the strength of will to avoid being distracted or pulled into unhealthy habits.
The tortoise in this verse is a perfect example because it can retract its limbs into its protective shell whenever it is in danger. Similarly, a wise person retracts their senses when needed. They engage their senses in situations that serve a higher purpose, like helping others, learning, or performing their duties, but they can also withdraw from temptations that lead to negative outcomes.
To truly practice this means to be deliberate and mindful about how we use our senses. For instance, when someone makes a choice to eat healthier, not just because food tastes good, but because it benefits their health, they demonstrate this self-control.
Moreover, many spiritual teachings encourage people to be aware of their actions and how those actions impact their spiritual progress. Without the ability to manage our cravings and impulses, it’s tough to maintain a steady spiritual practice or feel connected to a higher consciousness.
So, in essence, this verse teaches us the importance of self-control and mindfulness. Just like a tortoise can retreat into its shell, we too should learn when to pull back our senses from distractions and focus on what truly matters in life. This practice helps us to stay grounded, make better decisions, and nurture our spiritual well-being.