“Abandoning all desires born of intent, restraining senses with the mind completely.”
Key Teaching: Abandoning desires and restraining senses are key to yoga.
Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Dhyana Yoga.
Description:
Krishna instructs to abandon all desires born of intent and restrain senses completely with the mind. This verse, continuing 6.23, addresses Arjuna’s sensory attachments (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies sense control, and Dhyana Yoga, as he emphasizes restraint, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s desires (1.28–46) obstruct his duty. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s desiredriven actions (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to restrain senses for his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 6.4).
Philosophically, this verse addresses the human bondage to desires, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on sense control (5.11, 6.4). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to abandon desires. The theme of Dhyana Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on restrained meditation.
Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its disciplined clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s desires, where restraint ensures yoga. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with sense control, aligning with liberation.
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