Commentary

Commentary

Tasmaat — therefore. This verse draws a conclusion from the preceding chain of reasoning. Having shown in verses 60 through 67 how the uncontrolled senses progressively destroy intelligence — through craving, anger, delusion, and loss of memory — Krishna now restates the positive: complete restraint of the senses from their objects is the foundation of steady wisdom.

Sarvashah: Complete Restraint

The word sarvashah (completely, from all sides, in every way) makes the teaching absolute. This is not partial restraint, not discipline in some areas while remaining indulgent in others. The sthitaprajna has pulled the senses back completely — not from the world, but from the driven, compulsive quality of engagement that arises from attachment and aversion.

Nigriheetaani — restrained, held in check. The prefix ni intensifies the action. These senses are not casually redirected but firmly held. The image suggests a charioteer who has genuinely brought the horses under command, not one who gives them the reins whenever they pull hard enough.

Mahaabaaho: O Mighty-Armed

Krishna’s address to Arjuna as mahaabaaho — O mighty-armed — is not incidental. Arjuna is a warrior known for his strength. Yet Krishna is speaking here of an inner power that surpasses any strength of arms: the power to restrain the senses completely. The address may carry a gentle irony, or it may be an encouragement — the same quality of strength that makes Arjuna formidable in battle is what is needed on the inner battlefield.

The Refrain Completed

Tasya pragyaa pratishthitaa — his wisdom is firmly established. This phrase echoes through the sthitaprajna section like a recurring note in a musical composition. It has appeared in verses 56, 57, 61, and now 68. Each time, it arrives as the conclusion to a different description of how such stability is achieved. The repetition is itself a teaching: there is one outcome, steady wisdom, but many paths and conditions that lead to it or undermine it.