Shloka 34

Karma Yoga — Karma Yoga

Devanagari script

इन्द्रियस्येन्द्रियस्यार्थे रागद्वेषौ व्यवस्थितौ । तयोर्न वशमागच्छेत्तौ ह्यस्य परिपन्थिनौ ॥ ३.३४ ॥

Transliteration

indriyasya indriyasya arthe rāga-dveṣau vyavasthitau | tayor na vaśam āgacchet tau hy asya paripanthinau || 3.34 ||

Translation

Pada setiap indera dan objeknya, rāga (keterikatan) dan dveṣa (kebencian) telah tetap. Janganlah tunduk kepada keduanya, kerana keduanyalah penghalang di jalan seseorang.

Gita Press Meaning

Attraction and aversion are fixed with respect to each sense and its object; one should not come under their control, for they obstruct one’s path.

Critical Edition Meaning

For each sense in relation to its object, attachment and repulsion are established; one should not submit to them, since they are hindrances.

Comparative Note

Most translations align closely; interpretive differences lie in whether rāga/dveṣa are treated as morally blameworthy or as natural tendencies that become obstacles when they dominate.

Word by Word

• इन्द्रियस्य: of a sense-organ
• Root: इन्द्रिय

• इन्द्रियस्य: of (each) sense-organ
• Root: इन्द्रिय

• अर्थे: in/with regard to the object
• अर्थे: Adhikarana
• Root: अर्थ

• रागद्वेषौ: attachment and aversion
• रागद्वेषौ: Karta
• Root: राग-द्वेष

• व्यवस्थितौ: are firmly established/settled
• Root: व्यवस्था (वि+अव+√स्था)

• तयोः: of those two (of them)
• Root: तद्

• न: not
• Root: न

• वशम्: into the control/sway
• वशम्: Karma
• Root: वश

• आगच्छेत्: should come/should fall (under)
• Root: आ+√गम्

• तौ: those two
• तौ: Karta
• Root: तद्

• हि: indeed/for
• Root: हि

• अस्य: of him/of this person
• Root: इदम्

• परिपन्थिनौ: (are) obstructers/enemies (on the path)
• परिपन्थिनौ: Karta
• Root: परिपन्थिन्

Speakers

• Krishna

Primary Concepts

• Rāga
• Dveṣa
• Indriya
• Vairāgya

Key Themes

• Sense-discipline
• Non-reactivity
• Obstacles to discernment

FAQs

Psychological significance?

It frames craving and avoidance as default reactions in perception; psychological freedom is presented as not being governed by these reactions.

Metaphysical meaning?

Within Sāṃkhya-influenced thought, sensory engagement is structured by guṇas, producing patterned likes/dislikes that cloud discrimination.

Contextual relevance?

It continues the discussion on why disciplined action is needed: unexamined sense-reactions can derail ethical and contemplative aims.

Modern Application?

Practice noticing impulses (attraction/aversion) before acting—e.g., pause, label the reaction, and choose responses aligned with values.