Bhagavad Gita Chapter 2, Verse 67 (BG 2.67) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

2.67 इन्द्रियाणाम् senses? हि for? चरताम् wandering? यत् which? मनः mind? अनुविधीयते follows? तत् that? अस्य his? हरति carries away? प्रज्ञाम् discrimination? वायुः the wind? नावम् boat? इव like? अम्भसि in the water.Commentary The mind which constantly dwells on the sensual objects and moves in company with the senses destroys altogether the discrimination of the man. Just as the wind carries away a boat from its course? so also the mind carries away the aspirant from his spiritual path and turns,him towards the objects of the senses.

As a boat without a helmsman, with sails unfurled, becomes the helpless plaything of tempestuous winds and wild waves—drifting aimlessly, battered by the fierce assault of turbulent waters, ultimately destroyed before reaching its destination—so too does the undisciplined person become enslaved by the senses. The senses, wandering freely among objects of desire, lead the mind astray into the whirlwind of craving and attachment, ultimately bringing about its ruin. Therefore, if one wishes to live a life of true purpose and meaning, one must make constant and earnest effort to bring the senses under one's command and control. Thus, concluding the discourse on human degradation that began with the sixty-second verse, the Blessed Lord speaks: