tāni sarvāṇi sanyamya yukta āsīta mat-paraḥ
vaśhe hi yasyendriyāṇi tasya prajñā pratiṣhṭhitā
tāni — them;
sarvāṇi — all;
sanyamya — subduing;
yuktaḥ — united;
āsīta — seated;
mat-paraḥ — toward me (Shree Krishna);
vaśhe — control;
hi — certainly;
yasya — whose;
indriyāṇi — senses;
tasya — their;
prajñā — perfect knowledge pratiṣhṭhitā
In this verse, Krishna is explaining what it means to be truly wise or enlightened. He says that a person who can control their senses and focuses their mind on Him has strong understanding. Let’s break it down further.
### Controlling the Senses
When we talk about controlling the senses, we're referring to how we respond to the world around us. Our senses—like seeing, hearing, and touching—often tempt us with pleasures. For example, when we see a delicious dessert, our mind might scream for a taste, even if we’re not hungry. A wise person learns to manage these cravings. It's not about denying what we feel but about not letting these desires rule our actions.
### Focusing on Krishna
The verse emphasizes fixing consciousness on Krishna. This means dedicating our thoughts, actions, and feelings toward understanding and serving the divine. Imagine having a favorite hobby or a passion; when you're deeply involved in it, you forget everything else around you. In the same way, a person focused on Krishna feels a strong connection, which helps them remain calm and clear, even when life gets tough.
### The Example of Maharaja Ambarisa
Krishna uses the story of Maharaja Ambarisa to illustrate this point. Ambarisa was a king who was devoted to Krishna. When a powerful sage, Durvasa, became angry with him, it would have been easy for Ambarisa to react negatively. Instead, he remained calm and unwavering in his devotion. His ability to handle the situation with grace showed that his mind was anchored in something greater than the problems he faced.
### Strength Through Devotion
The text explains that true control of senses comes from being devoted to Krishna. Devotional service, or actively engaging in loving and selfless acts toward Krishna, helps build this inner strength. This is like how fire can purify whatever it burns. When someone has Krishna in their heart, they can handle various challenges and cleanse themselves from negativity.
### Real Yoga
Finally, the verse reminds us that merely meditating or performing yoga without focusing on Krishna is not effective. Many people think of yoga as just physical postures, but the deeper meaning involves connecting with something divine. Real yoga is about becoming aware of and devoted to Krishna and His teachings.
In summary, this verse encourages us to control our cravings, focus our thoughts on Krishna, and become steady and wise in our actions. By doing so, we can navigate life with strength and clarity, despite the challenges we face.