Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 67

English Translation

For, the mind which follows in the wake of the wandering senses, that (mind) carries away his wisdom like the mind (diverting) a boat on the waters.

Detailed Commentary

।।2.67।। Commentary: This human birth has been granted solely for the attainment of the *Paramatma*. Therefore, our aim (*dhyeya*) must be firm that we have to attain the *Paramatma* alone, come what may. When the *sadhaka*'s aim is firm, the importance of sense-enjoyments (*bhogas*) vanishes, and the intellect (*buddhi*) becomes steady. But what happens until the intellect becomes steady is being described here. 'इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनुविधीयते' -- When the *sadhaka* is engaged in his work, the sense-objects (*vishayas*) appear before the senses (*indriyas*). The *indriya* that delights in a particular *vishaya* draws the mind (*manas*) along with it. The mind then begins to experience the pleasure of that *vishaya*, giving rise to a feeling of happiness. For example, while eating, if the taste of a certain food item is pleasing, the tongue becomes attached to it and also attracts the mind. 'तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञाम्' -- When the importance of a *vishaya* takes root in the mind, that mind steals away the *sadhaka*'s intellect (*prajna*). As a result, the *sadhaka* develops a desire for enjoyment (*bhoga*), and the thought of attaining *Paramatma* vanishes. The intellect is quickly disturbed. As soon as an *indriya* pulls the mind, it gives rise to an intellect inclined towards enjoyment (*bhoga-buddhi*), and the intellect is vanquished. 'वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि' -- How the intellect is stolen away is explained with an example. Just as the wind carries away a boat moving on water, so too does the mind carry away the intellect. If a boatman is crossing a river or sea in a vessel, and a contrary wind blows, it carries the boat in the opposite direction. Similarly, when a *sadhaka* proceeds towards the *Paramatma*, crossing the ocean of *samsara*, a single *indriya* pulls the mind, carrying the boat of the intellect (*buddhi-rupa nauka*) towards the world. A contrary wind can lead the boat astray or even sink it, but a clever boatman utilizes the wind in the right direction. Similarly, for one whose mind (*manas*) and senses (*indriyas*) are under control, their mind does not distract the intellect (*buddhi*) but rather leads it towards the *Paramatma*. Connection: Why an unintegrated (*ayukta*) person does not possess a resolute intellect (*nishchayatmika buddhi*) was explained in the previous verse. Now, the subsequent verse is presented to describe the state of one who is integrated (*yukta*).