Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 2 · Sankhya Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 2.58 यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः
श्लोक 2.58
यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः ।
इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥
yadā saṃharate cāyaṃ kūrmo'ṅgānīva sarvaśaḥ |
indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyastasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जैसे कछुआ अपने अंगों को सब ओर से समेट लेता है, वैसे ही जब मनुष्य अपनी इन्द्रियों को विषयों से हटा लेता है, तब उसकी बुद्धि स्थिर होती है।
Meaning in English
When such a person fully draws back the senses from their objects, as a tortoise draws in its limbs, his wisdom is firmly established.
Bhagavad Gita 2.58 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यदा | yadā | when |
| संहरते | saṃharate | withdraws |
| च अयम् | ca ayam | and this person |
| कूर्मः | kūrmaḥ | a tortoise |
| अङ्गानि इव | aṅgāni iva | as its limbs |
| सर्वशः | sarvaśaḥ | completely |
| इन्द्रियाणि | indriyāṇi | the senses |
| इन्द्रियार्थेभ्यः | indriya-arthebhyaḥ | from their objects |
| तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता | tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā | his wisdom is firmly established |
Explanation
When a person can withdraw the senses from their objects completely, as a tortoise draws in its limbs, then their wisdom is firmly established.
The tortoise does not cut off its limbs; it draws them in when needed and puts them out again. So too the wise use the senses freely but can withdraw them at will — the beginning of pratyahara in yoga.
भावार्थ
जैसे कछुआ अपने अंगों को सब ओर से समेट लेता है, वैसे ही जब मनुष्य इन्द्रियों को उनके विषयों से हटा लेता है, तब उसकी बुद्धि स्थिर होती है।
Living it today
Practise "drawing in" for a few minutes a day — put the phone away, close your eyes, and let the senses rest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 2.58?
When a person can withdraw the senses from their objects completely, as a tortoise draws in its limbs, then their wisdom is firmly established.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 2.58?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 2 (Sankhya Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 2.58 in daily life?
Practise "drawing in" for a few minutes a day — put the phone away, close your eyes, and let the senses rest.
Reflected on verse 2.58?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.