Verse 3-7

“But that man succeeds supremely, O Arjuna, who unattached, disciplines the senses and keeps his organs of activity steadfast on the path of God-uniting actions.”

Commentary

Success is not attained by the hypocrite, but by the individual who exercises discipline over the unruly senses, steering them along the path of wisdom-guided action.

In the same way a teacher corrects a student’s behavior with impartial observation, devoid of attachment, the devotee must, in the initial stages of desire formation, observe his thoughts with complete detachment. It is prudent to watch thoughts and emotions as they arise in the mind, without yielding to the demands of the senses for action.

As the organs of action are restrained from immediately satisfying sensory desires, the mind gradually comes under control. With such mastery, the devotee gains the freedom to select desires and actions that lead to success, peace, and well-being, without being compelled by impulse. Thoughts and emotions must be diligently monitored as they perpetuate ceaseless cycles of birth and death. The mind should never be allowed to wander, but rather controlled every moment. Although the body and mind crave activity, inspiration, excitement, and motivation, these are all fleeting. Likes and dislikes develop in the mind through sensory contact with the material world. Behind the sensory mind lies the tranquil Intellect (Buddhi), which discerns right from wrong and is empowered by the will. It is the intelligence of the intellect that reasons, discriminates, and infers. Unlike the mind, Buddhi remains unaffected by preferences and operates with discipline, transcending the need for constant activity, inspiration, or motivation. Discipline surpasses motivation. Beyond Buddhi lies serene intuitive wisdom. However, the will can also be influenced by the mind. To ensure correct action, the will must be guided by wisdom alone. Willpower is bestowed by the soul or Chaitanya, yet the soul remains dormant unless invoked. Consider the example of a person struggling with alcohol addiction, progressing through various stages in his quest to overcome the habit: “I drink alcohol” – Unguided will, lacking in wisdom and influenced by mind and senses. “I like to drink alcohol” – Habit formation, due to repetitive actions of unguided will, influenced by mind and senses. “Drinking alcohol is wrong” – Activation of Buddhi (Intellect), reasoning the harm of the habit, but still enslaved by it. “I will avoid drinking alcohol” – Activation of calm intuition and wisdom-guided willpower. “I am failing to avoid alcohol” – Wisdom-guided willpower grappling with habit, ego, and desire. “I have overcome the addition after a long battle” – Success after a long struggle.