Bhagavad Gita 3.6
Spoken by Krishna · Verse 6 of 43
कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन् । इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते ॥
karmendriyāṇi saṃyamya ya āste manasā smaran | indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā mithyācāraḥ sa ucyate ||
Sitting still while the mind craves sense-objects is not discipline — the Gita calls it hypocrisy.
Word by word (3)
- karmendriyāṇi saṃyamya
- — restraining the organs of action · Karmendriya = organs of action (hands, feet, speech, excretory, reproductive — the five action organs, as distinct from the five sense organs). Saṃyamya = having restrained. The external behavior is controlled — but the mind is not.
- manasā smaran indriyārthān
- — mentally dwelling on sense-objects · Manasā = with the mind. Smaran = remembering, dwelling on, mentally rehearsing. Indriyārtha = sense-objects. This is the hypocrite's pattern: body still, mind churning. The dangerous form of spiritual performance — outward restraint concealing inward desire.
- mithyācāraḥ
- — a hypocrite / one of false conduct · Mithyā = false, untrue. Ācāra = conduct, behavior. Mithyācāra = false-conduct one — someone whose outer behavior and inner state are misaligned. This is a sharp word from Krishna — not a mild caution but a clear label for spiritual inauthenticity.
The person who restrains their organs of action but sits mentally dwelling on sense-objects — that confused soul is called a hypocrite.
A modern analogy
Someone who appears disciplined and follows all the outer forms — meditates daily, eats simply, keeps quiet — but whose mind is constantly fantasizing, scheming, and craving. The outer form is impeccable; the inner life is untouched. This is mithyācāra — false conduct. The Gita has no patience for spiritual performance.
Take with you
- Real discipline is inner, not outer. External restraint without inner transformation is performance.
- The Gita uses the word 'hypocrite' — it is not gentle about this. Outer compliance with inner craving is specifically called out.
- Check your practice: is your spiritual discipline transforming your inner life or just your visible behavior?
- This verse and the next form a pair: this one shows the wrong way — outer restraint while the mind still craves — and the next shows the right way: inner control paired with outer engagement.
Public-domain translations (5) compare all →
He who, restraining the organs of action, sits mentally dwelling on sense-objects — that fool, the self-deluded one, is called a hypocrite. [1]
He who, restraining the organs of action, sits thinking of the sense-objects in his mind, that deluded one is called a hypocrite. [4]
He who restrains his active organs but continues to dwell mentally on objects of sense, that deluded one is said to be a hypocrite. [6]
Who checks the lips from speaking, but lets the mind Be slave of senses on the inward stage — Vain-ceremonious; for the word is vain While action is withheld in heart. [7]
He who, restraining the organs of action, continues to think in his mind of objects of sense, is deluded in his soul and is called a hypocrite. [9]
This verse speaks to
Where this thread continues
Inner control → outer action without attachment = karma-yoga. That person genuinely excels.
When mind follows the wandering senses, wisdom is carried away — like wind sweeps a ship off course.
Self-complacent, stubborn, wealth-proud — they perform name-only sacrifices, ostentatiously ignoring śāstric ordinance.
Your own mind is your best friend when mastered; your worst enemy when not.
Discipline removes the object but longing persists. Only direct experience of the Supreme removes the longing itself.
Yogis act with body, mind, intellect, and bare senses — abandoning attachment — solely for self-purification.
Verse 6 of 43 · back to Chapter 3