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Chapter 3 · Karma-yoga · 43 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Mind & yogaChapter 3 · Karma-yoga

3.41 3.43

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.42

Lust, anger and mastery over senses

Jīva · The soul

इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः ।

मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः ॥ ४२ ॥

indriyāṇi parāṇy āhur

indriyebhyaḥ paraṁ manaḥ

manasas tu parā buddhir

yo buddheḥ paratas tu saḥ

Translation

The working senses are superior to dull matter; mind is higher than the senses; intelligence is still higher than the mind; and he [the soul] is even higher than the intelligence.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

The Soul Above the Senses

1
The senses are above dull matter, the mind above the senses, intelligence above the mind, and the soul above intelligence.
2
Prabhupāda explains that when the soul serves Kṛṣṇa directly, the intelligence, mind and senses naturally become engaged in His service.
3
Use your intelligence to keep your mind in Kṛṣṇa consciousness, surrendering fully to Him.

Key points from the purport

Hierarchy of sitting places of lust

Working senses are superior to dull matter

Mind is higher than the senses

Intelligence is higher than the mind

Soul is higher than the intelligence

Senses are superior to matter, because

The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust

Solution to the whole problem

Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness

In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust

Only stoppage of bodily action does not help

Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action

But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming

Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow

Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence

Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste FOCUS OF LEARNING: PURPORT 3.42 continued…

Solution to the whole problem

Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution

By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead

By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness

Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs

CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind