Chapter 17, Verse 16 (Bhagavad Gita 17.16)
Chapter 17: Śhraddhā Traya Vibhāg Yog – Yoga through Discerning the Three Divisions of Faith
Sanskrit Shloka
मनःप्रसादः सौम्यत्वं मौनमात्मविनिग्रहः।भावसंशुद्धिरित्येतत्तपो मानसमुच्यते
Transliteration
manaḥ-prasādaḥ saumyatvaṁ maunam ātma-vinigrahaḥ bhāva-sanśhuddhir ity etat tapo mānasam uchyate
Word Meanings
manaḥ-prasādaḥ—serenity of thought; saumyatvam—gentleness; maunam—silence; ātma-vinigrahaḥ—self-control; bhāva-sanśhuddhiḥ—purity of purpose; iti—thus; etat—these; tapaḥ—austerity; mānasam—of the mind; uchyate—are declared as
Translation
Serenity of mind, gentleness, silence, self-restraint, and purity of heart—this is declared to be the austerity of the mind.
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna instructs Arjuna on the subtle and profound discipline of mental penance. Shri Krishna reveals that true spiritual strength is not found in outward displays, but in the internal refinement of one's consciousness. By cultivating tranquility and sincerity, a devotee aligns their mind with the eternal nature of the Supreme Lord. This inner purification acts as a vessel, preparing the soul to receive the grace of Shri Krishna and ultimately attain liberation from the cycle of samsara.