Strength is self-governance.
Krishna speaks to Arjuna
तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः ।इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥
tasmād yasya mahā-bāho nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā
Use this verse to strengthen self-control.
Meaning
Therefore, O mighty-armed one, one whose senses are fully restrained from sense objects has steady wisdom.
Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).
In plain words
Sense mastery protects steady wisdom.
Word-by-word meaning
Tap a word to see its meaning.
Explanation
After explaining the danger of wandering senses, Krishna restates the solution: restraint. This is not repression, but intelligent governance. A strong person is not one who can indulge every impulse, but one who can direct energy toward dharma.
Read the traditional commentary
This verse serves as the definitive conclusion to the series of teachings on sense control that has been building since verse 58. After illustrating through metaphor the devastating effect of uncontrolled senses on wisdom (the boat blown by wind), Krishna now states the positive conclusion with the recurring, rhythmic affirmation: 'tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā' — the wisdom of such a one is firmly established.
The address 'mahā-bāho' — O mighty-armed one — is significant in context. Arjuna is being reminded of his own potential and power. The might of arms that makes him a fearsome warrior on the battlefield must also be brought to bear inwardly, in the battle for mastery of the senses.
This is not a different kind of strength but the same quality of resolve applied to the inner life. The greatest external achievements are rendered hollow without this corresponding internal conquest.
The word 'nigṛhītāni' (restrained, held firmly) paired with 'sarvaśaḥ' (completely, from all sides) emphasizes that this is not a partial achievement. Half-measures in sense control — controlling some senses while remaining enslaved to others — are insufficient for the establishment of lasting wisdom. This is a demanding standard, but the Gita presents it as achievable and as the only reliable basis for the stable, joyful, liberated life that every human being genuinely seeks.
In daily life
Train your senses like a leader trains a team.
A disciplined athlete does not hate comfort, but chooses training over impulse.
Try this today
Choose one impulse and delay it by ten minutes today.
I govern my senses with strength and wisdom.Reflect
Where do I need stronger self-governance?
Private — only you can see this
Quick check
What does ‘nigṛhītāni’ mean in this verse?
Krishna on restraint, in other chapters
- Verse 4.26Whether through restraint of the senses or purified engagement with the world, sense-experience can be turned into an offering.
- Verse 3.25Work as hard as the most driven person, but let your motive be the good of all rather than personal gain.
- Verse 5.5Knowledge and selfless action are two doors to one room — seeing their unity is itself true insight.
- Verse 6.8True fulfillment comes from inner realization, not possessions — to the awakened, gold and a clod of earth hold equal pull.
Swipe left for 2.69 · Spiritual awakening often looks different from worldly excitement.
Questions about Bhagavad Gita 2.68
Who says Bhagavad Gita 2.68, and to whom?
Krishna speaks to Arjuna in verse 2.68, in Chapter 2, Sankhya Yoga (Sankhya Yoga).
What does Bhagavad Gita 2.68 mean?
Therefore, O mighty-armed one, one whose senses are fully restrained from sense objects has steady wisdom. (Translation: Gita Guidance (original English rendering).)
What is the lesson of Bhagavad Gita 2.68 for daily life?
Train your senses like a leader trains a team. A disciplined athlete does not hate comfort, but chooses training over impulse.
What do the Sanskrit words in Bhagavad Gita 2.68 mean?
tasmāt — therefore, for this reason; yasya — whose; mahā-bāho — O mighty-armed one (Arjuna); nigṛhītāni — restrained, held back, controlled; sarvaśaḥ — completely, from all sides, in every respect.
Where does verse 2.68 come in the Bhagavad Gita?
It is verse 68 of 72 in Chapter 2, Sankhya Yoga. The next verse is 2.69.