Bhagavad Gita — Sankhya Yoga, Shloka 67
Sankhya Yoga
इन्द्रियाणां हि चरतां यन्मनोऽनु विधीयते । तदस्य हरति प्रज्ञां वायुर्नावमिवाम्भसि ॥ २.६७ ॥
indriyāṇāṁ hi caratāṁ yan mano 'nu vidhīyate | tad asya harati prajñāṁ vāyur nāvam ivāmbhasi || 2.67 ||
When the mind follows the wandering senses, it carries away his wisdom—just as the wind carries away a boat upon the waters.
When the mind follows the roaming senses, it carries away one’s wisdom, as the wind carries away a boat on the waters.
For, when the mind is directed along the wandering senses, that (following) takes away his discernment, like wind (drives off course) a boat upon the water.
The simile highlights loss of direction rather than harm: ‘harati prajñām’ is often translated ‘steals wisdom,’ but the image suggests being pulled off-course by sensory drift.
FAQs
It describes attentional capture: when attention is repeatedly pulled by stimuli, reflective judgment weakens and goals lose coherence.
Within the Gītā’s framework, prajñā (discernment) is essential for seeing the self distinct from changing experiences; sensory-driven mind obscures that discernment.
It explains why earlier calls for steadiness are necessary: sensory wandering destabilizes the very faculty (prajñā/buddhi) needed for yoga.
It maps well onto managing overstimulation: limiting compulsive media use, practicing single-tasking, and cultivating mindful awareness of impulses.