Shloka 19
Śuka’s Manifestation from the Araṇi (Āraṇeya-janma) — शुकजन्म (आरणेय-सम्भव)
न चेन्द्रियाणि पश्यन्ति मन एवात्र पश्यति । मनस्युपरते राजन्निन्द्रियोपरमो भवेत्
na cendriyāṇi paśyanti mana evātra paśyati | manasy uparate rājann indriyoparamo bhavet |
Dijo Yājñavalkya: «No son los sentidos los que de veras “ven”; aquí sólo la mente ve. Oh rey, cuando la mente se retrae de los objetos de los sentidos, los sentidos también quedan refrenados y cesa su ímpetu hacia afuera».
याज़्ञवल्क्य उवाच
Educational Q&A
Perception and bondage to objects are ultimately governed by the mind, not by the senses independently. Therefore, ethical self-mastery begins with disciplining and withdrawing the mind; when the mind is quiet and detached, the senses naturally become restrained.
In the Śānti Parva’s instructional discourse, the sage Yājñavalkya addresses a king and explains a principle of inner psychology: the mind is the true agent behind sensory experience, and mental withdrawal leads to sensory restraint—supporting the broader teaching on peace, self-governance, and liberation-oriented conduct.