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18

CHAPTER 

VERSE

51

बुद्ध्या विशुद्धया युक्तो धृत्यात्मानं नियम्य च |
शब्दादीन्विषयांस्त्यक्त्वा रागद्वेषौ व्युदस्य च || 18.51 ||

Buddhyā viśuddhayā yukto dhṛtyātmānaṁ niyamya cha |
Śabdādīnviṣayāṁstyaktvā rāgadveṣhau vyudasya cha ||

Endowed with a purified intellect, controlling the mind with determination, and relinquishing objects of the senses such as sound and taste, and freeing from attachment and hatred.

Lesson:

Krishna describes the characteristics of one who is established in wisdom (buddhi), demonstrating purity of intellect and mastery over the mind. He emphasizes the importance of a purified intellect (buddhi) in guiding one's actions and decisions. A purified intellect is free from the influence of ignorance and ego, enabling individuals to discern between right and wrong, truth and falsehood. It is through the purification of intellect that one gains clarity and insight into the nature of reality and attains spiritual liberation.

Furthermore, Krishna instructs Arjuna to control the mind (dhriti) with determination (niyamya). The mind, being the seat of desires and emotions, often wanders and becomes distracted. By exercising firm resolve and self-discipline, individuals can harness the power of the mind and direct it towards higher ideals and spiritual goals.

Krishna also advises relinquishing objects of the senses (shabdaadi vishayam) such as sound and taste. Attachment to sensory pleasures binds individuals to the cycle of desire and suffering. By renouncing attachment to sensory objects and pleasures, individuals free themselves from the bondage of worldly desires and attain inner peace and contentment.

Moreover, Krishna urges individuals to transcend attachment (raga) and hatred (dvesha), the twin enemies of the soul. Attachment arises from desire and leads to bondage, while hatred arises from aversion and leads to suffering. By cultivating equanimity and detachment, individuals rise above the pairs of opposites and attain spiritual freedom.

This verse encapsulates the essence of spiritual practice and the path to self-realization. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating purity of intellect, discipline of mind, and detachment from worldly desires. By adhering to these principles, individuals can overcome the obstacles on the path of spiritual evolution and attain the ultimate goal of union with the divine.

In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita serves as a guiding light for seekers on the path of spiritual awakening. It inspires individuals to cultivate virtues such as wisdom, determination, and detachment, leading to inner purification and spiritual growth. Through self-discipline and detachment from worldly desires, individuals can attain liberation and eternal bliss.

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