Bhagavad Gita 3.42 — Indriyani Paranyahur — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता ३.४२ — इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुः
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
इन्द्रियाणि
indriyāṇi
the senses
पराणि
parāṇi
superior (to the body)
आहुः
āhuḥ
they say, it is said
इन्द्रियेभ्यः
indriyebhyaḥ
than the senses
परम्
param
superior, higher
मनः
manaḥ
the mind
मनसः
manasaḥ
than the mind
तु
tu
but, indeed
परा
parā
superior, higher
बुद्धिः
buddhiḥ
the intellect
यः
yaḥ
who, that which
बुद्धेः
buddheḥ
than the intellect
परतः
parataḥ
higher still, beyond
सः
saḥ
that one (the Self, Atman)
Complete Translation
The senses are said to be superior to the body; the mind is superior to the senses; the intellect is superior to the mind; and that which is superior even to the intellect is He — the Self (Atman).
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 42
Author: Sage Veda Vyasa (Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva)
Period: Ancient (text compiled c. 5th–2nd century BCE)
Near the close of the Karma Yoga chapter, Arjuna asks what drives a person to sin as if by force. Krishna answers that desire (kama) born of rajas is the enemy, veiling wisdom and dwelling in the senses, mind and intellect. This verse charts the inner hierarchy so that the seeker, knowing the Self to be supreme, can rise above and subdue desire.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main teaching of Bhagavad Gita 3.42?▼
It presents the hierarchy of the human being: the senses are higher than the body, the mind higher than the senses, the intellect higher than the mind, and the Self (Atman) is higher than even the intellect. Knowing this lets one identify with the true Self and govern the lower faculties.
Why does Krishna give this hierarchy here?▼
Arjuna had asked what compels a person to act sinfully against their will; Krishna identified desire as the enemy seated in the senses, mind and intellect. This verse shows the seeker exactly where to take a stand — in the Self, above all of them — to defeat that enemy.
What is the difference between the mind (manas) and intellect (buddhi)?▼
The mind (manas) gathers impressions and generates desires and doubts, while the intellect (buddhi) discriminates, decides and judges. Buddhi is subtler and superior, and when guided by the Self it can control the wavering mind and the senses.
How is this verse useful for self-control?▼
By showing that the Self and intellect are higher than the mind and senses, it tells you to strengthen the higher faculties to rule the lower ones. The next verse advises: knowing the Self as supreme, steady the mind by the Self and conquer desire.
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