Chapter 5, Verse 9 (Bhagavad Gita 5.9)
Chapter 5: Karm Sanyās Yog – Path of Renunciation
Sanskrit Shloka
प्रलपन्विसृजन्गृह्णन्नुन्मिषन्निमिषन्नपि। इन्द्रियाणीन्द्रियार्थेषु वर्तन्त इति धारयन्
Transliteration
pralapan visṛjan gṛhṇann unmiṣan nimiṣann api indriyāṇīndriyārtheṣu vartanta iti dhārayan
Word Meanings
pralapan—by talking; visṛjan—by giving up; gṛhṇan—by accepting; unmiṣan—opening; nimiṣan—closing; api—in spite of; indriyāṇi—the senses; indriya-artheṣu—in sense gratification; vartante—let them be so engaged; iti—thus; dhārayan—considering.
Translation
While speaking, releasing, grasping, opening and closing the eyes, one should realize that it is merely the senses acting upon the objects of the senses.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse teaches the profound practice of witnessing consciousness, where the seeker detaches their 'Self' from the mechanical actions of the body and mind. By observing daily involuntary and voluntary acts as mere sensory interactions, one ceases to identify with the ego-driven 'doer'. This shift in perspective dismantles the illusion of personal agency over natural impulses, leading to inner stillness amidst intense activity. Ultimately, it invites the practitioner to reside in the peaceful ground of being, while the machinery of life continues its course unaffected by the soul.