Chapter 4 · Verse 26 of 42
The Yoga of Knowledge and Renunciation of Action
ज्ञानकर्मसन्न्यासयोग
Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Some offer hearing and other sense organs into the fires of restraint; others offer sounds and other sensual pleasures to the {purifying} blaze of sense organs. (4:26)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
श्रोत्रादीनीन्द्रियाण्यन्ये संयमाग्निषु जुह्वति ।
शब्दादीन्विषयानन्य इन्द्रियाग्निषु जुह्वति॥
Word-by-word
श्रोत्र-आदीनि इन्द्रियाणि, अन्ये संयम-अग्निषु जुह्वति,
शब्द-आदीन् विषयान् अन्ये, इन्द्रिय-अग्निषु जुह्वति।
Commentary
In the traditional life-stages (āshrama order) of Sanātana Dharma, or Hinduism, four phases are recognized—brahmachāri (the celibate student phase), grihastha (the householder phase), vānaprastha (preparation for renunciation), and sannyāsa (complete renunciation, dedicated to spiritual pursuits). The verse’s first part appears to address Brahmachāris and Sannyāsis, emphasizing the importance of sensory control and a focus on knowledge and spiritual realization. Conversely, the latter part of the verse is directed at householders, advocating for indulgence in sensory pleasures but with mindful restraint.