2.61 — Effort, restraint and devotion

Sanskrit · Teaching film · Everyday practice

Speaker: Krishna, addressing Arjuna.

The shloka

तानि सर्वाणि संयम्य युक्त आसीत मत्परः ।
वशे हि यस्येन्द्रियाणि तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥ ६१ ॥

Brief meaning

Krishna asks for restraint of the senses together with devotion directed toward him. Mastery of the senses is connected with stable understanding.

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: Pair attention with remembrance of Krishna, as the verse directs.