Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 3.6 कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा
श्लोक 3.6
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन् ।
इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते ॥
karmendriyāṇi saṃyamya ya āste manasā smaran |
indriyārthānvimūḍhātmā mithyācāraḥ sa ucyate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जो कर्मेन्द्रियों को रोककर बैठ जाता है, पर मन में विषयों का ही चिन्तन करता रहता है, वह मूढ़ है और उसे पाखंडी (मिथ्याचारी) कहा जाता है।
Meaning in English
One who restrains the organs of action but sits mentally dwelling on sense objects is deluded, and is called a hypocrite.
Bhagavad Gita 3.6 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| कर्मेन्द्रियाणि | karmendriyāṇi | the organs of action |
| संयम्य | saṃyamya | having restrained |
| यः | yaḥ | who |
| आस्ते | āste | sits |
| मनसा | manasā | with the mind |
| स्मरन् | smaran | dwelling on, remembering |
| इन्द्रियार्थान् | indriyārthān | sense objects |
| विमूढात्मा | vimūḍha-ātmā | deluded person |
| मिथ्याचारः | mithyā-ācāraḥ | a hypocrite, false in conduct |
| सः | saḥ | he |
| उच्यते | ucyate | is called |
Explanation
One who holds back the organs of action but sits dwelling in the mind on the objects of the senses is deluded, and is called a hypocrite.
Krishna exposes outward renunciation that leaves the mind untouched: sitting still while inwardly craving is pretence, not discipline. Shankara applies this to those who abandon duties in the name of meditation without the inner readiness. The verse contrasts with the next one, where mental control comes first and the body then acts. Many teachers cite it to stress that spiritual life is judged by the mind, not by appearance.
भावार्थ
जो मूढ़ मनुष्य कर्मेन्द्रियों को रोककर मन से इन्द्रियों के विषयों का चिन्तन करता रहता है, वह मिथ्याचारी (दम्भी) कहलाता है।
Living it today
A fast or a vow kept only outwardly while the mind keeps craving helps little. Work on the thought, not just the show.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 3.6?
One who holds back the organs of action but sits dwelling in the mind on the objects of the senses is deluded, and is called a hypocrite.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 3.6?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 3.6 in daily life?
A fast or a vow kept only outwardly while the mind keeps craving helps little. Work on the thought, not just the show.
Reflected on verse 3.6?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.