Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 3 verse 41
Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga

A Clear Strategy · Starting with the Senses

तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ । पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम् ।।41।।

tasmāt tvam indriyāṇy ādau niyamya bharatarṣabha pāpmānaṃ prajahi hy enaṃ jñāna-vijñāna-nāśanam

Meaning

"Therefore, O best of the Bharatas, first control the senses, and then slay this sinful enemy that destroys both knowledge and wisdom."

Explanation

Krishna offers a clear strategy: begin with the senses, the first line of defense against the pull of desire.

Today's Life Lesson

Start today by managing what you expose your senses to — that's often the easiest place to begin.

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