Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 33

Chapter 18 – Moksha Sanyasa Yoga · Speaker: Krishna

Sanskrit verse

धृत्या यया धारयते मनःप्राणेन्द्रियक्रियाः ।
योगेनाव्यभिचारिण्या धृतिः सा पार्थ सात्त्विकी ॥

Transliteration

dhṛtyā yayā dhārayate manaḥprāṇendriyakriyāḥ .
yogenāvyabhicāriṇyā dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha sāttvikī ॥

Meaning

The unwavering fortitude, sustained by yoga, by which one controls the functions of the mind, the vital breath and the senses — that fortitude, O Partha, is sattvic.

Word meanings

धृत्या – by fortitude
यया – by which
धारयते – holds, restrains
मनःप्राणेन्द्रियक्रियाः – the functions of mind, vital breath and senses
योगेन – through yoga, through concentration
अव्यभिचारिण्या – unwavering
धृतिः – fortitude
सा – that
पार्थ – O Partha
सात्त्विकी – sattvic

Anvaya (word order)

पार्थ, योगेन अव्यभिचारिण्या यया धृत्या मनःप्राणेन्द्रियक्रियाः धारयते, सा धृतिः सात्त्विकी ।

Explanation

Dhriti means the power to hold — the inner steadiness by which a person stays true to his resolve. The field of sattvic fortitude is manah-prana-indriya-kriyah, the functions of mind, vital breath and senses. One with sattvic fortitude keeps all three under right control: his mind does not wander, his breath and vital energy are disciplined, and his senses do not rush uncontrolled towards their objects.

The means of this fortitude is yogena — yoga, the practice of meditation and concentration. Such fortitude arises not from external pressure or fear but from inner stability. As a skilled charioteer holds the reins and keeps the horses on the right road, so the yogi by his fortitude keeps the senses and mind directed towards the Supreme.

The key word is avyabhicharinya — unwavering, never straying in another direction. Ordinary fortitude changes with circumstances: firm in good times, weak in bad. Sattvic fortitude remains the same in every situation, because its goal is one — the Supreme, or knowledge of the Self.

Shankara explains that this fortitude becomes unwavering through yoga, the practice of concentration, and restrains mind, breath and senses from going against scriptural injunction. Ramanuja describes it as unwavering steadiness fixed on meditation upon the Lord as the means of liberation.

Context

The preceding verses (18.30–32) described the three kinds of intellect. This verse describes sattvic fortitude. The next two verses describe rajasic (18.34) and tamasic (18.35) fortitude.

Life lesson

True steadiness comes from inner stability, not external pressure. Through meditation and regular practice, strengthen your mastery over mind, breath and senses. Holding a high aim keeps your resolve from wavering with circumstances.

Key terms

Sattviki dhriti: Unwavering fortitude sustained by yoga that governs mind, breath and senses
Avyabhicharini: Unwavering, single-pointed
Manah-prana-indriya-kriya: The activities of mind, vital breath and senses
Yoga: The practice of meditation and concentration