Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 2 verse 58
Chapter 2 · Sankhya Yoga

The Tortoise's Wisdom · Turning Inward

यदा संहरते चायं कूर्मोऽङ्गानीव सर्वशः । इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ।।58।।

yadā saṃharate cāyaṃ kūrmo 'ṅgānīva sarvaśaḥ indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā

Meaning

"One who can withdraw the senses from their objects, as a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, has wisdom firmly established."

Explanation

Krishna offers the memorable tortoise image to describe the practice of sense-withdrawal in meditation.

Today's Life Lesson

Give yourself a few quiet minutes today to withdraw from constant stimulation and simply turn inward.

More verses to reflect on