Bhagavad Gita BG 2.60
Chapter 2, Verse 60 — Meaning, Translation & Explanation
यततो ह्यपि कौन्तेय पुरुषस्य विपश्चितः । इन्द्रियाणि प्रमाथीनि हरन्ति प्रसभं मनः ॥ ६० ॥
yatato hy api kaunteya puruṣasya vipaścitaḥ indriyāṇi pramāthīni haranti prasabhaṃ manaḥ
Meaning
The senses are so strong and impetuous, O Arjuna, that they forcibly carry away the mind even of a man of discrimination who is endeavouring to control them.
Understanding
A realistic and honest assessment: even for a wise and discriminating person ('vipaścitaḥ' — one of knowledge) who is actively striving ('yatataḥ'), the senses ('pramāthīni' — turbulent, agitating) can 'forcibly carry away' (prasabhaṃ haranti) the mind. The Gita never pretends the spiritual path is easy. The senses are powerful opponents. This is why constant vigilance, practice, and the grace of the higher is needed — not just intellectual understanding.
Word by Word
| Word | IAST | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| यततः | yatataḥ | of one who is striving / endeavouring |
| विपश्चितः | vipaścitaḥ | of one of discrimination / the wise person |
| प्रमाथीनि | pramāthīni | turbulent / agitating / tormenting |
| हरन्ति | haranti | carry away / steal / snatch |
| प्रसभम् | prasabham | forcibly / by force / violently |
| हि | hi | for / indeed (causal) |
| अपि | api | even / although |
| कौन्तेय | kaunteya | O son of Kunti (Arjuna) |
| पुरुषस्य | puruṣasya | of a person / of the man |
| इन्द्रियाणि | indriyāṇi | the senses |
| मनः | manaḥ | the mind |