yastvindriyāṇi manasā niyantriti
“One who controls the senses by the mind”
Structure
yaḥ tv indriyāṇi manasā niyantriti
yaḥ (who) indriyāṇi (the senses) manasā (by the mind) niyantriti (controls)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| tv | tv | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| indriyāṇi | indriyāṇi | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | the senses |
| manasā | manasā | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | by the mind |
| niyantriti | niyantriti | verb | √niryā · present · third | controls |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the Bhagavad Gītā, verse 5.8, it is stated that one who controls the senses by the mind is considered a true yogi. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on this verse, highlights the importance of the mind in controlling the senses. According to Shankara, the mind is the master of the senses, and it is through the mind that one can achieve self-control. This self-control is essential for realizing the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara cites the example of a charioteer who controls the horses (senses) with the help of the reins (mind). In this context, the verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). By controlling the senses, one can experience this identity and attain liberation. Shankara's commentary emphasizes the non-dual reading of this verse, where the ultimate goal is to realize the oneness of the individual self with the universal reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the concept of controlling the senses by the mind is closely tied to the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to the Lord in controlling the senses. According to Rāmānuja, the mind is a instrument of the Lord, and it is through devotion and surrender that one can attain self-control. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the role of the mind in distinguishing between the real and the unreal. In this context, controlling the senses by the mind means to discern the real nature of the self and the world. The verse is seen as a means to attain devotion and intimacy with the Lord, and to experience the bliss of liberation. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the devotional reading of this verse, where the ultimate goal is to attain love and union with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of this verse in contemporary life. According to Vivekānanda, controlling the senses by the mind means to develop self-awareness and self-control in everyday life. This self-control is essential for achieving success and fulfillment in all areas of life. In his famous lecture, 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda cites the example of a businessman who, through self-control and mental discipline, can achieve great success. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse, where the ultimate goal is to attain human fulfillment and self-actualization. Radhakrishnan sees this verse as a means to develop a balanced and harmonious personality, where the individual can realize their full potential and contribute to the greater good. The Neo-Vedānta tradition emphasizes the practical and universal application of this verse, where the ultimate goal is to attain human fulfillment and self-actualization through self-control and mental discipline.