2.60 — Effort, restraint and devotion

Sanskrit · Teaching film · Everyday practice

Speaker: Krishna, addressing Arjuna.

The shloka

यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः ।
इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः ॥ ६० ॥

Brief meaning

The senses can carry away the mind even of a discerning person who is making a serious effort toward restraint.

In the conversation

Krishna acknowledges that the senses can overpower even a discerning person who is trying sincerely. The response joins restraint with devotion directed toward him. We should retain that devotional element rather than presenting the verse as a secular technique for willpower alone.

Everyday reflection

Someone trying to listen more attentively keeps interrupting people despite sincere intentions. Instead of concluding that effort is useless, they prepare a small support: pause for one breath before answering and ask whether the other person has finished. A devotee may place that practice within prayer and remembrance of Krishna. Support does not replace sincerity; it gives sincerity a practical form. Which repeated situation needs a clear boundary or reminder, rather than another harsh promise to yourself?

Consider today: Notice a trigger before it becomes a familiar chain of behaviour.