CH 4, Verse 27

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Chapter 4

Verse 27

 

SarvaaNeen'driya-karmaaNi praaNakarmaaNi chaa'pare /

aatma-sa.nyamayogaagnau juhvati jnaana-deepite //

 

Some others offer all the actions of the senses and

the functions of the vital breath (Prana) in the fire

of the Yoga of Self-control illumined by knowledge.

 

LESSONS FROM BHAGAVAD GITA – 39

As taught by Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji

 

“Some others offer all the actions of the senses and

the functions of the vital breath (Prana) in the fire

of the Yoga of Self-control illumined by knowledge.”

 

In this verse, the self-restraint is deemed as

Yoga-fire. Just as a lamp of light is kindled with

oil, so also the fire of Yoga is kindled by the

knowledge of the Self.

 

Knowledge of the self or knowledge of Brahman helps

one to attain perfect Self-control. When a man

realizes that he is the Self and not the body or the

senses, he will not run after sense pleasures. He

will rejoice in his own Self, which is the abode of

all peace and happiness.

 

Ordinary men are inclined towards enjoying the

sense-objects. Like cattle being attracted by green

grass are ordinary men attracted by sense-enjoyment.

This is because ordinary people do not have sense

control. This is the cause of their downfall.

 

Therefore, first of all, the fire in the form of

self-control should be kindled by securing the

knowledge of the Self and into it must be offered the

actions of the senses and the vital breath. In other

words, a man should carry out the actions of his

senses and vital breath exercising full control over

them and without allowing them to do what they like.

 

Man avails himself of enjoyment with the help of his

senses like eyes, tongue, nose, etc. If these senses

were not subjected to control, man would be inclined

more and more to enjoyment and would bring about his

own downfall. If by self-control the senses are kept

at their proper centers without allowing them to come

in touch with their objects unnecessarily, the

tendency to enjoyment can be kept within limits and

man can easily secure his spiritual elevation. It is

the same idea that is expressed in the twenty-sixth

verse, which says that the senses of hearing, etc.,

are to be offered in the fire of sense-control.

 

Ordinary people offer the senses and their actions

into the fire of enjoyment. That is the cause of

their sufferings and downfall. On the other hand, if

they offer the actions of their senses in the fire of

control unkindled by the knowledge of the Self, it

will lead them towards their emancipation. Knowledge

of the Self will help one to build up his Self

control. When a man comes to know that he is the

divine Self, the immortal Spirit and not the

perishable body, he will discard the sensual pleasures

and attach himself to his own Self. He will exercise

all caution in the use and actions of his senses and

function of the breath. The idea is that he would

practice sense control and breath regulation

(pranayama).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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