Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 3.7 यस्त्विन्द्रियाणि मनसा नियम्यारभतेऽर्जुन
श्लोक 3.7
यस्त्विन्द्रियाणि मनसा नियम्यारभतेऽर्जुन ।
कर्मेन्द्रियैः कर्मयोगमसक्तः स विशिष्यते ॥
yastvindriyāṇi manasā niyamyārabhate'rjuna |
karmendriyaiḥ karmayogamasaktaḥ sa viśiṣyate ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
परंतु हे अर्जुन! जो मन से इन्द्रियों को वश में करके, आसक्ति छोड़कर कर्मेन्द्रियों द्वारा कर्मयोग करता है, वही श्रेष्ठ है।
Meaning in English
But one who controls the senses with the mind, O Arjuna, and without attachment engages the organs of action in the yoga of action, is far superior.
Bhagavad Gita 3.7 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यः | yaḥ | who |
| तु | tu | but |
| इन्द्रियाणि | indriyāṇi | the senses |
| मनसा | manasā | by the mind |
| नियम्य | niyamya | having controlled |
| आरभते | ārabhate | undertakes |
| अर्जुन | arjuna | O Arjuna |
| कर्मेन्द्रियैः | karmendriyaiḥ | with the organs of action |
| कर्मयोगम् | karma-yogam | the yoga of action |
| असक्तः | asaktaḥ | unattached |
| सः | saḥ | he |
| विशिष्यते | viśiṣyate | excels, is superior |
Explanation
But one who controls the senses with the mind, O Arjuna, and, without attachment, undertakes the yoga of action with the organs of action, is far superior.
Here is the positive picture that answers the hypocrite of the previous verse. Restraint happens inside, through the mind, while the hands and feet keep working, free of clinging to results. Shankara says such a person is better than the pretender, while still placing knowledge higher; Ramanuja and Tilak see the verse as praising the karma yogi outright. It sums up the method of the whole chapter: inner detachment, outer engagement.
भावार्थ
परन्तु हे अर्जुन! जो मन से इन्द्रियों को वश में करके, आसक्ति रहित होकर कर्मेन्द्रियों से कर्मयोग का आचरण करता है, वही श्रेष्ठ है।
Living it today
Stay fully engaged in your work while keeping a check on cravings and outcomes. That combination, not withdrawal, is the discipline.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 3.7?
But one who controls the senses with the mind, O Arjuna, and, without attachment, undertakes the yoga of action with the organs of action, is far superior.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 3.7?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 3.7 in daily life?
Stay fully engaged in your work while keeping a check on cravings and outcomes. That combination, not withdrawal, is the discipline.
Reflected on verse 3.7?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.