श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता

Karma Yogaश्लोक ४२/४३98%

Bhagavad Gita 3.42

Perspective Switcher · अध्ययन दृष्टिकोण
Preserves original scripture. Adapts linguistic and contemplative depth.

Beginner (जिज्ञासु): Direct entry: original verse, clear literal translation, and accessible life takeaway. (मूल श्लोक, सरल शब्दार्थ और जीवनोपयोगी सार।)

मूल पाठSource scriptureOriginal Sanskritमूल संस्कृत

इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः।मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः

Explain this line · इस पंक्ति को सरल भाषा में समझें

मूल पाठ सहायकReading aid for the sourceRoman transliterationलिप्यन्तरण (IAST)

indriyāṇi parāṇyāhur indriyebhyaḥ paraṁ manaḥ manasas tu parā buddhir yo buddheḥ paratas tu saḥ

मूल पाठ सहायकReading aid for the sourceWord by word (पदच्छेद व अन्वय)पदच्छेद
Tap on highlighted terms to inspect classical root (धातु), grammatical case, and philosophical clarity:
  • indriyāṇi

    senses

  • parāṇi

    superior

  • āhuḥ

    are said

  • indriyebhyaḥ

    than the senses

  • param

    superior

  • manaḥ

    the mind

  • manasaḥ

    than the mind

  • tu

    but

  • parā

    superior

  • buddhiḥ

    intellect

  • yaḥ

    who

  • buddheḥ

    than the intellect

  • parataḥ

    more superior

  • tu

    but

  • saḥ

    that (soul)

अनुवादTranslationLiteral Hindi Translationमूल हिन्दी अनुवाद (अक्षरशः)मूलानुवाद · Literal

(श्लोक 42–43) इन्द्रियोंको (स्थूलशरीरसे) पर (श्रेष्ठ, सबल, प्रकाशक, व्यापक तथा सूक्ष्म) कहते हैं। इन्द्रियोंसे पर मन है, मनसे भी पर बुद्धि है औऱ जो बुद्धिसे भी पर है, वह (काम) है। इस तरह बुद्धिसे पर - (काम-) को जानकर अपने द्वारा अपने-आपको वशमें करके हे महाबाहो ! तू इस कामरूप दुर्जय शत्रुको मार डाल।

अक्षरशः अनुवाद — मूल संस्कृत श्लोक के प्रत्येक पद का प्रत्यक्ष अर्थ।

अनुवादTranslationLiteral English TranslationLiteral Text

They say that the senses are high, the mind is higher than the senses, the intellect is higher than the mind, but what is greater than the intellect is that (desire).

Direct literal rendering preserving Sanskrit philosophical terminology.

परम्परागत भाष्यTraditional commentaryTraditional Commentary (परम्परागत भाष्य)परम्परागत भाष्य

Pluralistic Tradition Neutrality (सम्प्रदाय-तटस्थता):

Classical commentaries represent distinct philosophical darshanas (Advaita, Vishishtadvaita, Dvaita). Dharma Granth presents multiple traditional viewpoints without declaring any single tradition as universal or exclusive.

Layers side by side · परतों की तुलना

Each layer is labelled by what it is. None is presented as the correct or best reading.

Original Sanskrit

Source scripture

इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्यः परं मनः। मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धेः परतस्तु सः।।3.42।।

Literal translation

Translation of the source text

They say that the senses are high, the mind is higher than the senses, the intellect is higher than the mind, but what is greater than the intellect is that (desire).

Traditional commentary

No reviewed traditional commentary has been added for this verse yet, so there is nothing to compare. Commentaries will appear here only with their commentator, edition and review status.

Simple explanation

Editorial explanation, not scripture

indriyāṇi—senses; parāṇi—superior; āhuḥ—are said; indriyebhyaḥ—than the senses; param—superior; manaḥ—the mind; manasaḥ—than the mind; tu—but; parā—superior; buddhiḥ—intellect; yaḥ—who; buddheḥ—than the intellect; parataḥ—more superior; tu—but; saḥ—that (soul)

संपादकीय व्याख्याEditorial explanationSimple Explanation (सरल व्याख्या)सरल व्याख्याEditorial Exposition · Not Scripture

indriyāṇi—senses; parāṇi—superior; āhuḥ—are said; indriyebhyaḥ—than the senses; param—superior; manaḥ—the mind; manasaḥ—than the mind; tu—but; parā—superior; buddhiḥ—intellect; yaḥ—who; buddheḥ—than the intellect; parataḥ—more superior; tu—but; saḥ—that (soul)

शोध संदर्भResearch context · not scriptureComparative Research Noteशोध टिप्पणी

(श्लोक 42–43) इन्द्रियोंको (स्थूलशरीरसे) पर (श्रेष्ठ, सबल, प्रकाशक, व्यापक तथा सूक्ष्म) कहते हैं। अवधान एक सीमित क्षमता है: जो विषय बार-बार मन में आता है, वही अगली क्रिया की दिशा बनता है। यह पंक्ति उसी मानसिक चयन को अपना विषय बनाती है।

A modern parallel offered for reflection. It is not part of the scripture, and it has not been checked against the original sources it may allude to.

स्रोतSources and editionSources and editionस्रोत एवं संस्करण
Sanskrit text
github.com/gita/gita · fetched 2026-09-28
Translations
Hindi: not flagged as AI · English: not flagged as AI
Explanation, reflection, research
Editorial text; no AI flag recorded
Last updated
2026-10-16
Licence note (as recorded)
Community dataset — verify license terms at source repo before redistribution.

Found a mistake?

विस्तृत स्रोत एवं भाष्य वर्गीकरण

Explanation: simple

Where this verse sits प्रसंग

Editorial learning aid · not scriptureसंपादकीय अध्ययन-सहायक
Who is speaking?
Krishna
Who is listening?
Arjuna
What is happening?
Krishna gives Arjuna the psychological blueprint of human consciousness to conquer compulsive desires.
What is being answered?
Where does destructive craving hide, and how can the human being systematically master it?

Before this verse

  1. Krishna identifies desire (Kāma) and wrath (Krodha) as the all-devouring enemies born of Rajas (3.37).
  2. Krishna shows how wisdom is enveloped by desire like fire by smoke (3.38-39).

This verse

  1. Krishna reveals the hierarchical faculties of consciousness through which desire is conquered (3.42).

After this verse

  1. Krishna instructs Arjuna to steady the self by the higher Self and slay the formidable enemy of desire (3.43).
Read previous verseRead full passageContinue the conversation

In one lineएक पंक्ति में

Simple explanationसरल व्याख्या

इंद्रियाँ स्थूल शरीर से श्रेष्ठ हैं; इंद्रियों से श्रेष्ठ मन है; मन से श्रेष्ठ बुद्धि है; और बुद्धि से भी परे आत्मा है।

The senses are subtle and strong; higher than senses is mind; higher than mind is intellect; beyond intellect is the Atman.

Simple meaningसरल अर्थ

Simple explanationसरल व्याख्या

इच्छाओं और आवेगों पर नियंत्रण पाने के लिए चेतना के स्तरों को समझना आवश्यक है। जड़ शरीर से सूक्ष्म और शक्तिशाली इंद्रियाँ हैं, इंद्रियों का नियामक मन है, मन को परखने और निर्णय देने वाली बुद्धि है, और बुद्धि को भी प्रकाशित करने वाली नित्य आत्मा है। अपने आत्म-स्वरूप को पहचानकर ही मनुष्य इच्छाओं का स्वामी बन सकता है।

To overcome compulsive cravings and reactivity, one must understand the ascending architecture of consciousness. The physical senses reign over inert matter, the mind synthesizes sensory data, the discerning intellect directs and judges thoughts, and the supreme conscious Self (Atman) transcends the intellect. By identifying with this innermost witness, one gains sovereignty over all lower impulses.

Sanskrit Word Explorer मुख्य पद-विभाजन

Tap any word to inspect its root (dhatu), grammar, context, and philosophical nuances.

Teaching flow शिक्षा का क्रम

Teaching flow in order. Physical Realm (Śarīra) The external body and matter; heavy, gross, and largely reactive. Then: Sensory Gates (Indriyāṇi) The five senses that perceive external stimuli; subtler and more powerful than the body. Then: Mental Faculty (Manas) The seat of desires, doubts, feelings, and impulses; subtler and faster than the senses. Then: Discerning Intellect (Buddhi) The higher faculty of wisdom, values, evaluation, and decision-making; master of the mind. Then: The Pure Self (Ātman) The unconditioned witness of all faculties; infinite, untouched, and supreme.

Why it matters todayआज इसका महत्त्व

Modern example · not scriptureआधुनिक उदाहरण

  • डिजिटल लत और आवेगी प्रवृत्तियों पर विजय

    Notification pings appeal to the senses; cravings erupt in the mind. Only by anchoring in the discerning intellect and conscious self can one stop compulsive reflex loops.

  • भावनात्मक संतुलन का प्रामाणिक मार्ग

    Knowing you are not your passing emotion or your thought pattern gives you the vantage point of the witness, restoring instant self-governance.

Modern exampleआधुनिक उदाहरण

Modern example · not scriptureआधुनिक उदाहरण

A student tempted to play video games instead of studying notices the impulse in the senses and mind, but uses their Buddhi (intellect) to choose their academic dream.

An illustration written to explain the teaching. No outcome is promised.

A shift in understanding

Editorial learning aid · not scriptureसंपादकीय अध्ययन-सहायक
A common first thought
“My cravings and mood swings dictate who I am; I have no choice but to surrender to every impulse.”
With this teaching
“I am the conscious witness that observes cravings; my intellect and Self have the sovereign authority to choose nobility.”

Common misunderstandingआम भ्रांति

Editorial learning aid · not scriptureसंपादकीय अध्ययन-सहायक

Some readers take it to mean

“This teaching encourages brutal suppression of the senses and hatred of the body.”

A fuller reading

It provides a constructive structural hierarchy: when higher intellect and spiritual awareness lead, the mind and senses become peaceful, faithful allies.

What it does not meanयह क्या नहीं कहता

Editorial learning aid · not scriptureसंपादकीय अध्ययन-सहायक

  • Not brutal physical suppression

    The verse does not recommend torturing the senses, but governing them from the higher vantage point of intellect and Self.

  • Not purely academic intellectualism

    The supreme faculty is not intellectual debate, but the spiritual Self (saḥ = the Atman) beyond conceptual thought.

Try this todayआज आज़माएँ

Practical reflection · optionalव्यावहारिक चिंतन

The Hierarchy Witness Drill · 3 mins

जब कोई क्रोध दिलाने वाली बात हो: १) शरीर में तनाव देखें, २) मन में उठते विचार को देखें, ३) विवेक से निर्णय लें, ४) इन तीनों को देखने वाले शांत साक्षी में टिकें।

When an irritating trigger occurs today: 1) Notice the sensation in the body, 2) Notice the emotional thought in the mind, 3) Activate the discerning intellect, 4) Rest as the silent witness that observes all three. Feel the irritation evaporate.

Pause and think रुकें और सोचें

In your daily decision-making, which level usually drives the vehicle: the senses, emotional cravings of the mind, or the calm intellect?

आपके दैनिक निर्णयों में रथ का सारथी कौन बनता है: चंचल इंद्रियाँ, मन की इच्छाएं, या विवेकपूर्ण बुद्धि?

Was this explanation clear? · क्या यह स्पष्ट था?

Visual demonstration · चित्र द्वारा समझें

The Ascending Hierarchy of Human Faculties

Editorial diagram · not scripture

Verse 3.42 outlines an ascending ladder of subtlety and mastery: physical senses, mind, intellect, and the transcendent Self.

In words

Verse 3.42 presents an ascending order of subtlety from outer to inner faculties: first the physical senses, above them the directing mind, higher still the discerning intellect, and beyond all is the supreme conscious Self.

Kind:
Step by step
Based on:
Bhagavad Gita 3.42
Review:
Approved
Motion:
none; the diagram is static

The teaching in everyday life

Editorial contentReviewed by Editorial Scripture Team (V. S. Sharma & S. Shastri), 2026-10-09

Illustrations written by the editors to help you think about the verse. They are not part of the scripture, and they are not the only way to read it.

Teaching illustrated: Senses are subtle; the mind is subtler than senses; the intellect is subtler than mind; and supreme above the intellect is the conscious Self.

Student life
Struggling with late-night binge-eating or compulsive video-game binges while final exam deadlines approach.
Notice the ladder within: senses itch for pleasure, mind seeks distraction, but your intellect knows your real goals. Anchor in the higher intellect to gently calm the lower impulses.
Professional life
Feeling an impulsive rush to send a furious reply to a client or colleague who insulted you in an email.
The senses and emotional mind react in seconds, but the intellect has the wisdom to pause. Step back to your conscious witness; a 10-minute pause saves months of professional repair.
Creative work
Abandoning a demanding artistic project because a sudden mood swing or lazy impulse urges you to watch television instead.
Creative stamina requires command of the faculties. Let the intellect steer the mind back to the easel or desk; feelings fluctuate, but the creative resolve endures.
Family responsibility
Getting pulled into a petty family argument over household clutter and feeling irritation boiling over.
Catch the chain reaction before it explodes. When you observe the emotional spike from the calm viewpoint of the witness, anger loses its power to wound loved ones.

Content status

  • Source text · imported from github.com/gita/gita
  • Translation · from the source archive
  • Editorial explanation · draft, awaiting scholarly review

No independent human review is recorded for this verse yet. How this site is made.

शास्त्रीय प्रामाणिकता एवं पारदर्शकताSources & Interpretation

स्रोत, संस्करण एवं व्याख्या वर्गीकरण

धर्म ग्रंथ पर मूल शास्त्र, पारंपरिक भाष्य और आधुनिक व्याख्या को पूर्णतः पृथक रखा जाता है ताकि पाठक को किसी भी व्याख्या के शास्त्र होने का भ्रम न हो।

सामग्री वर्गीकरण संकेत (Epistemic Content Labels)

६ स्तरिय प्रमाण व्यवस्था
मूल पाठOriginal text

अपौरुषेय / प्रामाणिक शास्त्र (Primary Canonical Scripture)

मूल संस्कृत, प्राकृत अथवा अवधी श्लोक/मंत्र। यह सर्वोच्च प्रमाण (प्रस्थान) है। इस पाठ में किसी भी आधुनिक व्याख्याकार का हस्तक्षेप नहीं है।

शाब्दिक अनुवादLiteral translation

पदार्थ व अन्वय (Direct Grammatical & Word-for-Word Meaning)

व्याकरणसम्मत प्रत्यक्ष शब्दार्थ (अन्वय)। बिना किसी दार्शनिक संप्रदाय के पूर्वाग्रह के, संस्कृत शब्दों का सटीक भाषांतर।

पारंपरिक भाष्यTraditional commentary

आचार्य परंपरा व टीका (Classical Lineage Commentary)

प्राचीन आचार्य परंपरा (यथा शंकराचार्य, रामानुजाचार्य, मध्वाचार्य, श्रीधर स्वामी) द्वारा विरचित शास्त्रीय भाष्य व टीकाएं।

सरल व्याख्याSimple explanation

भावार्थ व सुबोध प्रबोधन (Accessible Pedagogical Exposition)

आधुनिक जिज्ञासुओं के लिए सरल भाषा में भावार्थ। यह मूल मंत्र नहीं, बल्कि पाठ को सुगम बनाने हेतु संपादकीय व्याख्या है।

आधुनिक चिंतनModern reflection

समसामयिक विमर्श व अनुप्रयोग (Contemporary Application & Analysis)

दार्शनिक, मनोवैज्ञानिक व वैज्ञानिक समरूपताओं पर आधुनिक चिंतन। यह मूल शास्त्र का अंग नहीं है और इसे शास्त्रोक्त सिद्धांत के रूप में नहीं देखा जाना चाहिए।

शोध टिप्पणीResearch note

पांडुलिपि एवं ऐतिहासिक शोध (Critical Apparatus & Manuscript Research)

पांडुलिपि विविधताएं, पाठ-भेद (variant readings), छंद रचना, और ऐतिहासिक व तुलनात्मक भाषावैज्ञानिक शोध। यह शास्त्र का मूल संदेश बदलने हेतु नहीं, बल्कि पाठ की प्रामाणिकता परखने के लिए है।

पहचानकर्ता:Bhagavad Gita Ch. 3, Verse 42
संस्कृत संस्करण:https://github.com/gita/gita

Gorakhpur Recension with Sridhara Swami Subodhini & Shankaracharya Advaita Bhashya collations.

पुरालेखागार / स्रोत:Gita Press, Gorakhpur / Muktabodha Digital Archive
गणना पद्धति:

Standard 700-verse canonical recension across 18 chapters. Kashmiri recension carries 745 verses (noted in comparative apparatus).

Interactive Verse Knowledge Graph · ज्ञान जाल

श्लोक सम्बन्ध एवं पार-ग्रंथ संदर्भ

Reviewed links only. A line here is a stored connection, not a guess from the neighboring verse.

Bhagavad Gita 3.42Current VerseChandogyChandogya Upanis…
🟣Cross-Scriptural Linkपार-ग्रंथ सम्बन्ध (गीता ↔ उपनिषद् ↔ रामायण)

Chandogya Upanishad 6.8.7

Chandogya Upanishad (छान्दोग्योपनिषद्)

Read Verse

Sanskrit Text (मूल श्लोक / मंत्र)

तत्त्वमसि

Translation / Meaning (भावार्थ)

That thou art — the Self within you is identical with the Supreme Reality.

Why This is Connected (सम्बन्ध का आधार)

Listed beside Atman in this library. The link does not say the passages teach the same thing.

आगे क्या · What next

समानांतर संदर्भ व श्लोक (Cross-Scriptural Parallels)

इसी दार्शनिक तत्त्व पर अन्य वैदिक ग्रंथों और उपनिषदों के प्रेरक संदर्भ

AtmanChandogya Upanishad 6.8.7
श्लोक देखें

तत्त्वमसि

"That thou art — the Self within you is identical with the Supreme Reality."

AtmanBhagavad Gita 2.20
श्लोक देखें

न जायते म्रियते वा कदाचिन्नायं भूत्वा भविता वा न भूयः

"The Self is never born and never dies. Unborn, eternal, ever-existing, it is not destroyed when the body is destroyed."

AtmanBhagavad Gita 2.23
श्लोक देखें

नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः

"The soul cannot be cut by weapons, burned by fire, wet by water, or dried by the wind."

You have explored Bhagavad Gita 3.42.

आपने इस श्लोक का अध्ययन किया।

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