Bhagavad Gita 2.68
Spoken by Krishna · Verse 68 of 72
तस्माद्यस्य महाबाहो निगृहीतानि सर्वशः । इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेभ्यस्तस्य प्रज्ञा प्रतिष्ठिता ॥
tasmād yasya mahābāho nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ | indriyāṇīndriyārthebhyas tasya prajñā pratiṣṭhitā ||
Therefore: completely withdraw the senses from their objects in all directions. That is established wisdom.
Word by word (3)
- tasmāt
- — therefore / for this reason · Tasmāt draws the conclusion from V58-67 — the entire teaching about sense-withdrawal, the tortoise analogy, the ship analogy — all arrive here at this summative therefore. The word signals: given all of this, here is what follows.
- nigṛhītāni sarvaśaḥ
- — completely / thoroughly restrained in every direction · Nigṛhīta from ni+grah (to hold down, to restrain firmly). Sarvaśaḥ = in all directions, completely, thoroughly. This is V58's tortoise image restated as a conclusion: not partial sense-restraint but complete sarvaśaḥ withdrawal from all objects.
- prajñā pratiṣṭhitā
- — wisdom is firmly established · The fifth repetition of this closing phrase in the sthitaprajña portrait (V55, V56, V57, V58, V68). Each verse adds a new mark and closes with prajñā pratiṣṭhitā — the refrain that anchors the teaching. Like a musical motif, each repetition deepens the meaning.
Therefore, O mighty-armed Arjuna — the one whose senses are completely restrained from sense-objects in every direction: that person's wisdom is firmly established.
A modern analogy
The conclusion of the whole sense-discipline teaching: like closing every window in a room before attempting precise work — not one window half-open, not occasional closures. Sarvaśaḥ (complete, in all directions) is the standard. The person who achieves this completeness of inner governance has established wisdom.
Take with you
- This verse is the summative conclusion of the whole sense-discipline teaching that runs from the image of the tortoise drawing in its limbs to the warning that a mind chasing the wandering senses is swept off course like a ship in the wind: the full rationale is now stated, and the standard is sarvaśaḥ — complete, thorough.
- This is a destination, not an entry requirement. Practice toward it, not from the shame of not yet being there.
- The prajñā pratiṣṭhitā (firmly established wisdom) refrain returns once more, anchoring the entire sthitaprajña portrait: wisdom is the consistent outcome of each discipline practiced.
- Mahābāho ('mighty-armed') — Krishna addresses Arjuna by his warrior name here. The one capable of physical strength is capable of this inner strength.
Public-domain translations (5) compare all →
Therefore, O mighty-armed one, his wisdom is firm whose senses are completely restrained from their objects in every direction. [1]
Therefore, O mighty-armed, his wisdom is steady whose senses are completely restrained from their objects. [4]
Therefore, O mighty-armed Arjuna, the wisdom of that man is well-grounded whose senses are in all ways restrained from their objects. [6]
Therefore, O Prince of mighty arms! who draws His senses back from sense, as one who shuts The windows of his house against the sun — He hath wisdom. [7]
Therefore, O you of mighty arms, his knowledge is well-founded whose senses are all completely restrained from the objects of sense. [9]
This verse speaks to
Where this thread continues
Like a tortoise draws in its limbs, the wise one withdraws senses from objects. Wisdom stands firm.
The sage is awake to what all others cannot see. What the world calls 'real' is darkness to the sage.
The faithful, devoted, sense-controlled person attains jñāna — and quickly reaches supreme peace.
Those who know Me as Adhibhūta, Adhidaiva, and Adhiyajña — they know Me even at death, with unified minds.
Control all senses, sit in yoga focused on the Supreme — that one's wisdom stands unshakable.
Tamas — born of ignorance — deludes all beings and binds through carelessness, laziness, and sleep.
Verse 68 of 72 · back to Chapter 2