Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 6 verse 24
Chapter 6 · Dhyana Yoga

Self-Discipline · Restraining Desire at the Root

सङ्कल्पप्रभवान्कामांस्त्यक्त्वा सर्वानशेषतः । मनसैवेन्द्रियग्रामं विनियम्य समन्ततः ॥

saṅkalpaprabhavān kāmāṁs tyaktvā sarvān aśeṣataḥ, manasaivendriyagrāmaṁ viniyamya samantataḥ.

Meaning

"Abandoning without exception all desires born of selfish will, and restraining the whole group of senses on every side by the mind alone."

Explanation

The senses aren't the real problem—it's the restless intentions behind them; calm the will, and the senses follow.

Today's Life Lesson

Before reacting to a craving today, pause and ask what desire is really driving it.

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