3. Selfless Service

Karm Yog

BG 3.42

It is said that the senses are powerful, but beyond the senses is the mind. Beyond the mind is the intellect, and beyond the intellect is the supreme self.

इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः
मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः

This verse is similar to Katha Upanishad verse 1.3.10 and verse 2.3.7.

  • indriyāṇi — senses

  • parāṇyāhur — are said superior

    • parāṇi — superior

    • āhuḥ — are said

  • indriyebhyaḥ — than the senses

  • paraṁ — superior

  • manaḥ — the mind

  • manasas — than the mind

  • tu — but

  • parā — superior

  • buddhir — intellect

  • yo — who

  • buddheḥ — than the intellect

  • paratas — more superior

  • tu — but

  • saḥ — that

...3.36

Krishna said: It is desire and it is anger, born of passion. It consumes and corrupts all things. Know this to be the enemy here.

[37]

As fire is shrouded in smoke, a mirror covered by dust, and a fetus enveloped by the womb, so too is the universe enveloped by desire.

[38]

Wisdom is concealed by desire - it is the enemy of the wise, insatiable like fire.

[39]

The senses, mind, and intellect are its instruments, by which it deludes the soul and conceals its wisdom.

[40]

Therefore, first control your senses and then slay this sinful thing which destroys knowledge and insight.

[41]

It is said that the senses are powerful, but beyond the senses is the mind. Beyond the mind is the intellect, and beyond the intellect is the supreme self.

[42]

Thus, knowing that which is higher than the intellect, and restraining the mind in Karma Yoga, slay this enemy who takes the form of desire - one who is difficult to overcome.

[43]

Similar verses

Chapter 3, Verse 42