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← Chapter 3: The Yoga of Action

Verse 3.6

Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit

कर्मेन्द्रियाणि संयम्य य आस्ते मनसा स्मरन्। इन्द्रियार्थान्विमूढात्मा मिथ्याचारः स उच्यते।।

Transliteration (IAST)

karmendriyāṇi saṁyamya ya āste manasā smaran | indriyārthān vimūḍhātmā mithyācāraḥ sa ucyate ||

Word-by-Word Meanings

कर्मेन्द्रियाणि-organs of action
संयम्य-restraining
मनसा-with the mind
स्मरन्-dwelling upon
इन्द्रियार्थान्-sense objects
मिथ्याचारः-a hypocrite

Translation

One who restrains the organs of action but continues to dwell on sense objects in the mind is deluded and is called a hypocrite.

Commentary

Krishna condemns false renunciation - outwardly withdrawing from action while mentally indulging in desires. This is worse than honest engagement with the world. True discipline requires alignment of mind and body, not mere external show.

Themes

karmayogadharma