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Chapter 3 · Verse 42 · Karma Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 3.42

philosophical Self & Identity Jnana & Wisdom Mind & Meditation

Sanskrit

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

Transliteration

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

Word by Word

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)
Simplified Perspective

Lord Krishna reveals a hierarchy of consciousness that liberates us from the tyranny of reactive living. The senses pull us outward toward objects; the mind collects and processes; the intellect discerns truth from illusion; but beyond even intellect rests the eternal Self—the witness of all.

When you feel trapped by sensory craving or mental chatter, remember: you are not the storm of impulses, but the sky in which it moves. This teaching transforms suffering into a ladder of awakening.

Listen

Bhagavad Gita 3.42 — BG 3.42

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Sanskrit text from the Bhagavad Gita (public domain). Commentary © Mahakatha.

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