Katha Upanishad 1.3.5 & 1.3.6
(The disciplined mind & senses)
Verse 1.3.5:
यस्त्वविज्ञानवान्भवत्ययुक्तेन मनसा सदा ।
तस्येन्द्रियाण्यवश्यानि दुष्टाश्वा इव सारथेः ॥
"But whosoever is devoid of understanding, unmindful, and always impure, his senses are uncontrollable, like the unruly horses of a charioteer."
Verse 1.3.6:
यस्तु विज्ञानवान्भवति युक्तेन मनसा सदा ।
तस्येन्द्रियाणि वश्यानि सदश्वा इव सारथेः ॥
"But whosoever is intelligent, mindful, and always Pure, his senses are controllable, like the good horses of a charioteer."
In these verses, the chariot symbolizes the human body, with the intellect as the charioteer, the mind as the reins, and the senses as the horses. An undisciplined mind, lacking wisdom, fails to restrain the senses, leading to a life driven by sensory impulses, much like a charioteer unable to control wild horses. Conversely, a discerning intellect, coupled with a disciplined mind, effectively governs the senses, ensuring a harmonious and purposeful journey through life.
This allegory underscores the imperative of cultivating wisdom and mental discipline to achieve mastery over one's senses, thereby attaining Self-Realization and liberation. The charioteer's skill in managing the horses mirrors the individual's endeavor to align the mind and senses with higher knowledge and truth.
Similar themes are echoed in other Vedic texts:
Bhagavad Gita 6.5:
उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानमवसादयेत् । आत्मैव ह्यात्मनो बन्धुरात्मैव रिपुरात्मनः ॥
"One must elevate oneself by one's own mind, not degrade oneself. The mind is the friend of the soul, and its enemy as well."
This verse emphasizes the dual role of the mind as both friend and foe, depending on whether it is controlled or allowed to wander, aligning with the Katha Upanishad's message on the importance of mental discipline.
Mundaka Upanishad 3.1.9:
सत्येन लभ्यस्तपसा ह्येष आत्मा सम्यग्ज्ञानेन ब्रह्मचर्येण नित्यम् । अन्तःशरीरे ज्योतिरमयो हि शुभ्रो यं पश्यन्ति यतयः क्षीणदोषाः ॥
"The Self is Realized through Truth, self-discipline, right knowledge, and continence. Seeking Him within their own body, the sages Realize the all-pervading Self, radiant and Pure, free from all sins."
This passage highlights the necessity of self-discipline and Right Knowledge in Realizing the Self, resonating with the Katha Upanishad's teachings on controlling the senses through wisdom.
Yoga Vasistha 6.1.33:
मन एव मनुष्याणां कारणं बन्धमोक्षयोः। बन्धाय विषयासक्तं मुक्त्यै निर्विषयं स्मृतम् ॥
"The mind alone is the cause of bondage and liberation for human beings. Attached to sense objects, it leads to bondage; free from sense objects, it leads to liberation."
This verse reiterates the pivotal role of the mind in leading one towards bondage or liberation, depending on its attachment or detachment from sensory objects, paralleling the chariot metaphor's emphasis on mental control.
Collectively, these texts advocate for the cultivation of Wisdom and disciplined mind as essential for mastering the senses, leading to Self-Realization and mergence with the Ultimate Reality.
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