tasmād asaktaḥ śarīrastho yatnatāṃ yatanīyataām
“Therefore, not attached, one should strive to control the mind.”
Structure
tasmāt asaktaḥ śarīra-sthaḥ yatnatām yatanīyatām
tasmāt (from that) asaktaḥ (not attached) śarīra-sthaḥ (located in body) yatanīyatām (should endeavour) yatnatām (with effort)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasmāt | tasmāt | indeclinable | — | from him, thence |
| asaktaḥ | asaktaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | unattached, unaffected |
| śarīra-sthaḥ | śarīrasthaḥ | compound | karmadhāraya · "śarīre sthaḥ" | dwelling in the body |
| yatnatām | yatnatām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | endeavour, effort |
| yatanīyatām | yatanīyatām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | one should endeavour |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara emphasizes the importance of detachment (asaktaḥ) in controlling the mind. He argues that one must strive to control the mind without being attached to the body or worldly desires. Shankara's reasoning is centered on the concept of the Brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate goal is to realize the non-dual nature of reality. This verse points to the necessity of transcending the limitations of the physical body and the ego, and instead, identifying with the universal Self (ātman). Shankara's commentary on this verse highlights the need for self-control and detachment as a means to attain liberation (mokṣa) and realize the ultimate truth of non-duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as emphasizing the importance of self-control and devotion to Īśvara (the Lord). He argues that the jīva (individual self) must strive to control the mind and senses, not for personal gain, but as a means of surrendering to the will of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, sees this verse as highlighting the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, and the need for the jīva to recognize its dependence on Īśvara. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva emphasize the devotional aspect of this verse, where the goal is to cultivate a relationship with Īśvara through self-control, devotion, and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of this verse in modern life. He saw the importance of self-control and detachment as a means to achieve success and happiness in the world. Vivekānanda argued that one must strive to control the mind and senses, not as an end in itself, but as a means to realize one's full potential and contribute to the greater good. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, also highlighted the universal relevance of this verse, seeing it as a call to cultivate mental discipline and inner strength in the face of life's challenges. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan connected this verse to the broader themes of Vedānta, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, self-control, and service to others.