Dhyayato visayan pumsah sangas tesupajayate, sangat sanjayate kamah kamat krodho 'bhijayate
While contemplating the objects of the senses, a person develops attachment for them. From attachment develops desire, and from desire arises anger.
- •Thought leads to attachment
- •Desire stems from attachment
- •Anger arises from unfulfilled desire
Uddhared atmanatmanam natmanam avasadayet, atmaiva hy atmano bandhur atmaiva ripur atmanah
Elevate yourself through the power of your mind, and not degrade yourself. The mind can be the friend and also the enemy of the self.
- •Self-mastery is essential
- •The mind can uplift or destroy
- •Take responsibility for your own growth
Yuktahara-viharasya yukta-cestasya karmasu, yukta-svapnavabodhasya yogo bhavati duhkha-ha
For one who is moderate in eating, recreation, working, sleeping, and waking, yoga destroys all sorrows.
- •Balance in all activities
- •Moderation leads to peace
- •Discipline in daily life supports spiritual practice
Asanshayam maha-baho mano durnigraham calam, abhyasena tu kaunteya vairagyena ca grhyate
The mind is restless and difficult to restrain, but it is subdued by practice and detachment.
- •The mind requires consistent practice
- •Patience and persistence are key
- •Detachment aids mental control
Amanitvam adambhitvam ahimsa kshantir arjavam, acharyopasanam shaucham sthairyam atma-vinigrahah
Humility, unpretentiousness, non-violence, forgiveness, simplicity, approaching a bona fide spiritual master, cleanliness, steadiness, and self-control.
- •Cultivate essential spiritual virtues
- •Character development is foundational
- •Practice humility and self-control
Yada sanharate cayam kurmo 'nganiva sarvashah, indriyanindriyarthebhyas tasya prajna pratishthita
One who is able to withdraw the senses from their objects, just as a tortoise withdraws its limbs into its shell, is established in divine wisdom.
- •Sense control is essential
- •Withdraw from external distractions
- •Inner stability through discipline
Yat tad agre visham iva pariname 'mritopamam, tat sukham sattvikam proktam atma-buddhi-prasada-jam
That happiness which seems like poison at first but is like nectar in the end, arising from the purity of one's own mind, is declared to be of the nature of goodness.
- •True happiness requires initial effort
- •Long-term joy from discipline
- •Sattvic pleasure is lasting